Great Person, Great Image

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.  (Hebrews 1:3)

And for this reason also Paul calls Him “the brightness of glory,” that we may learn that as the light from the lamp is of the nature of that which sheds the brightness, and is united with it (for as soon as the lamp appears the light that comes from it shines out simultaneously), so in this place the apostle would have us consider both that the Son is of the Father, and that the Father is never without the Son, for it is impossible that glory should be without radiance, as it is impossible that the lamp should be without brightness.  But it is clear that as His being brightness is a testimony to His being in relation with the glory (for if the glory did not exist, the brightness shed from it would not exist), so, to say that the brightness “once was not” is a declaration that the glory also was not, when the brightness was not, for it is impossible that the glory should be without the brightness.

As therefore it is not possible to say in the case of the brightness, “If it was, it did not come into being, and if it came into being it was not,” so it is in vain to say this of the Son, seeing that the Son is the brightness.  Let those also who speak of “less” and “greater,” in the case of the Father and the Son, learn from Paul not to measure things immeasurable.  For the apostle says that the Son is the express image of the Person of the Father.  It is clear then that however great the Person of the Father is, so great also is the express image of that Person, for it is not possible that the express image should be less than the Person contemplated in it.

And this the great John also teaches when he says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.”  For in saying that he was “in the beginning” and not “after the beginning,” he showed that the beginning was never without the Word; and in declaring that “the Word was with God,” he signified the absence of defect in the Son in relation to the Father, for the Word is contemplated as a whole together with the whole being of God.  For if the Word were deficient in His own greatness so as not to be capable of relation with the whole being of God, we are compelled to suppose that that part of God which extends beyond the Word is without the Word.  But in fact the whole magnitude of the Word is contemplated together with the whole magnitude of God: and consequently in statements concerning the Divine nature, it is not admissible to speak of “greater” and “less.”

Gregory of Nyssa, On the Faith

Yawning at Tigers by Drew Dyck – Book Review

I just finished Yawning at Tigers: You Can't Tame God, So Stop Trying by Drew Dyck.  Let me begin by saying that one should never review a book based on the Kindle version.  Though a more inexpensive alternative (and handy for reading at the gym), I miss the ease of going back to find specifics.  That being the case, this will be more general than normal.

When initially seeing the main title of this book, I immediately thought it would be yet another Christian motivational work, but the subtitle was intriguing.  Instead of the constant refrain of popular Christian fare that somehow God so immanent as to be malleable and useful for our earthly or an intimate lover always longing for us to rest in His bosom as He gently caresses us.  Instead, this book looks squarely at the problem that we, in our minds, have domesticated the Almighty Lord of heaven and earth, and we have lost sight that He is utterly holy and transcendent—unapproachable in any regard save for His own intercession on our behalf.

The book is divided in half with the first section describing how we have forgotten the dread of God’s awesome holiness and what we lose because of it.  I was struck by the gap being overcome from reading another book* in which the author relates some of the early Church Fathers who considered to what lengths God needed to go and lower Himself to our level of language and understanding in order to reveal Himself in Scripture.  The second section reviews the how we need to keep immanence and transcendence in tension in order to appreciate the gap that needed to be bridged in our sin, to demonstrate what great lengths he endured to bring himself close to us in the incarnation, and then even to suffer and die for us.  God suffered for me—unfathomable, but true.  That shows the depths of His love.

 Dyck is an effective, engaging writer.  My thoughts and emotions were stirred considering the ramifications of knowing God’s rightful place, coupled with the awful (awe-full?), yet necessary, work of redemption.  My only quibble is in the perceived conclusion that we are to act in light of the relationship, and the example offered was Mama Maggie, a Coptic Christian who founded the organization Stephen’s Children in Egypt.  I was put off by what appeared to be her mystical leanings.  While her story might be worthwhile to tell, I would rather have been kept focused on Christ.  That aside, this is a worthwhile read.


*  Mark Sheridan, Language for God in Patristic Tradition: Wrestling with Biblical Anthropomorphism, IVP, 2015.

You Still Don't Get It, Do You?

Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.  And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”  And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.  (Mr 8:14-16)

By now you have seen any number of memes, such as the one at right, expressing disbelief, exasperation, or frustration over what people say and do with the information they have.  The applicability in the above scenario should not elude any wondering just how clueless the disciples were about Jesus’ mission and teaching.  The Lord was trying to teach these men a lesson to avoid what the Pharisees were hustling.  Rather than being a random teaching session, Jesus wants to drive home a point.

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread?  Do you not yet perceive or understand?  Are your hearts hardened?  Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?  And do you not remember?  (Mr 8:17-18)

Admittedly, Jesus withheld much from the twelve, but they were so focused on what was happening at the moment that they had missed important spiritual truths he was imparting.  What was the back story?  There were two occasions when large crowds had been listening to Jesus for an extended period of time, and no sufficient food source was readily available.

When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?”  They said to him, “Twelve.”  “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?”  And they said to him, “Seven.”  (Mr 8:19-20)

Jesus took the twelve through two separate occasions when He had supplied abundantly for all.  Their fixation on the lack of bread in the boat should not have been a concern.

And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”  (Mr 8:21)

Ouch!  That hurt.  Jesus repeats the question, probably causing the twelve to consider crawling under a rock out of utter embarrassment.  But this was not the main point they should have gotten out of their time with the Lord.  Mark, in his gospel, builds parallel passages that help us see what the disciples did not at the time.

Feeding of multitude	5,000 (6:31–56)	4,000 (8:1–10)
Confrontation with opponents	Pharisees and scribes (7:1–13)	Pharisees and Herod (8:11–13)
Disciples misunderstand	Defilement (7:14–23)	Leaven (8:14–21)
Healing	Syrophoenician woman’s daughter near Tyre (7:24–30) Deaf man in the region of the Decapolis (7:31–37)	Blind man in Bethsaida (8:22–26)

Mark offers a reason for their misunderstanding: For they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened (Mr 6:52)—a striking description because it is used for the Pharisees (Mr 10:5).  The active opponents and proponents both suffered from the same malady, which could only be corrected by Divine involvement: spiritual healing was required.  The healings at the end of the parallel passages act as pointers to what Jesus would do in the apostles: remove what is causing the problem, open the ear to hear, open the eye to see.  The narration moves toward the pinnacle in which the disciples finally voice their recognition of who Jesus is (Mr 8:27-30) and see more proofs (Mr 9:2-13).  It would be nice to stop here and breath a sigh of relief, but there is more.  They understand, though imperfectly.  They take it all in, though colored by personal and Judaic interpretations of Messiah’s purpose and work.  More training will be necessary.  Much like the above-mentioned blind man, Jesus will need to work more to make their “sight” perfectly clear, and what He Himself could not do while He walked this earth, the Holy Spirit has undertaken to complete the work.

We are not any different today.  All are hardhearted toward Jesus and need His work for us to understand.  We are dead in sin, which blinds our eyes and deafens our ears to the gospel.  A mighty work is required to bring us from darkness to light.  We believe that His death was for us, and He gives us the life and understanding that we sorely lack.  We look forward to a completion of our Lord’s saving work—when He comes in power and glory to make all things new, putting away death, hell, and the devil.  In resurrection bodies we will see Him as He is and know as we are known.  Until that day, let us look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (He 12:1-2).

Focusing on the Correct Object

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  (1 Co 10:13)

I memorized the above verse several years ago as part of a discipleship curriculum.  Though pulled out of context for the sake of of instruction, the verse contains comfort that temptations are not insurmountable, and there is a wonderful promise of God’s faithfulness and care for us in the midst of temptation.  While individuals run to this verse for help in dealing with whatever might be working in them, the next verse indicates a broader application:

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  (1 Co 10:14)

How does the comfort in temptation lead to the warning of idolatry?  At face value it is an unnatural progression, but context makes it clear.

The verses under question are part of a section that begins at the first verse of chapter eight with “Now concerning food offered to idols….”  The Corinthians had opportunity to buy meat offered to idols for personal use, and Paul was offering his learned opinion on the matter as one “entrusted with a stewardship” (1 Co 9:17).  He instructs them concerning their freedom to purchase the meat with clear consciences, however the better course is to set the freedom aside so as not to cause stumbling to the weak, drawing from his own life among them as an example to be self-controlled in their Christian lives.  Paul then uses the wilderness wandering of Israel as an historical example from which to drive home his point.

There are several parallels between the elect of God who followed Moses out of the bondage of Egypt and the elect who followed Christ out of the bondage of sin: baptism of water, eating of spiritual food, drinking from the spiritual Rock.  Here the apostle goes on to explain that even though Israel had all these benefits, many fell along the way.

• Idolatry (1 Co 10:7) – Exodus 32:4-6
• Sexual immorality (1 Co 10:8) – Numbers 25:1-9
• Testing (1 Co 10:9) – Numbers 21:5-6
• Grumbling (1 Co 10:10) – Numbers 14:2; 29-37

In each case, the group succumbed to desires instead of believing the Word of the Lord and suffered the consequence of death.

The temptations faced by Israel were similar to those facing the Corinthian assembly.  Paul has already warned them in this epistle of immorality and grumbling, and wants to cover idolatry before venturing into the issue of testing wherein some were sick or had died for their disregard in the Lord’s Supper (1 Co 11:30).  By heeding correction and holding fast to the truth of God through the temptation, these believers could avoid the harsh discipline of the Lord awaiting them.

Temptations remain today for local assemblies of believers.  Some temptations are brought in by leaders who are not true shepherds but fierce wolves: their focus is on themselves. Other temptations are brought from outside because of their appeal for success in addressing whatever internal need has the immediate focus.  These same issues have occurred in the past and are nothing new, so take note that the apostle returned to his central theme:

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  (1 Co 15:1-5)

Keep the the focus, the central theme, Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Solemnity in the Pastoral Office

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach.  He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.  (Ti 1:7-9)

During the Reformation, Martin Luther responded to the Pope’s insistence that Lutheran ordination was invalid.  In the Smalcald Articles, Part III Article X, Luther agreed that Rome’s ordination authority might be acceptable, if the bishops rightly discharged their office and omitted “all comedies and spectacular display of unchristian parade and pomp.”*  Luther goes on to describe these bishops as

worldly lords and princes, who will neither preach, nor teach, nor baptize, nor administer the Lord’s Supper, nor perform any work or office of the Church, and, moreover, persecute and condemn those who discharge these functions….

A blistering description, but now ask yourself, “Am I reading a description of church authority in the sixteenth century or the twenty-first century?”  The descriptors Luther used for bishops abusing their office is equally appropriate in American Evangelicalism.

From Ed Young to Perry Noble, Chuck Pierce to Brian Houston, those who should be shepherds of God’s flock have increasingly promoted buffoonery in the name of Christ.  What has been for centuries recognized as a work to be approached with fear and trembling is once again trending in a dangerous direction—handed over to gifted, innovative communicators rather than faithful exegetes. The Word and worship of God is “packaged” to appeal and work toward the central theme of the preacher’s message.  Whether that message is derived from the text, from a desire for self-promotion, or from somewhere between, when theatrics drive the appeal, the gospel suffers.

Pastoral ministry is inherently a work of sober-mindedness (1 Ti 3:2).  He preaches not to appeal but to speak the truth of Law and the Gospel.  Paul told Timothy:

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.  (2 Ti 4:1-2)

Timothy was to be as faithful in delivering the message as the apostle had been.  Every preacher following Timothy has had that same commission.  Alistair Begg recently preached a message on this passage that addresses the solemnity and centrality of the office, along with the primacy of Scripture.  O, that pastors be as Isaiah and see themselves before a holy God bemoaning their sinfulness and need for cleansing; and gladly and joyfully remember the free, abundant grace of Christ that has cleansed them and preach what the Lord has so freely given.


*  References to corruptions that were being practiced in the Medieval church.

Destroying Death and the Devil

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.  (He 2:14-15)

The Father is Father, and is Unoriginate, for He is of no one; the Son is Son, and is not unoriginate, for He is of the Father.  But if you take the word Origin in a temporal sense, He too is Unoriginate, for He is the Maker of Time, and is not subject to Time.  The Holy Ghost is truly Spirit, coming forth from the Father indeed, but not after the manner of the Son, for it is not by Generation but by Procession (since I must coin a word for the sake of clearness).  For neither did the Father cease to be Unbegotten because of His begetting something, nor the Son to be begotten because He is of the Unbegotten (how could that be?), nor is the Spirit changed into Father or Son because He proceeds, or because He is God—though the ungodly do not believe it.…  There is then One God in Three, and These Three are One, as we have said.

Since then these things are so, or rather since This is so; and His Adoration ought not to be rendered only by Beings above, but there ought to be also worshipers on earth, that all things may be filled with the glory of God (for as much as they are filled with God Himself); therefore man was created and honored with the hand and Image of God.  But to despise man, when by the envy of the Devil and the bitter taste of sin he was pitiably severed from God his Maker—this was not in the Nature of God.  What then was done, and what is the great Mystery that concerns us?  An innovation is made upon nature, and God is made Man.  He that rides upon the Heaven of Heavens in the East of His own glory and Majesty, is glorified in the West of our meanness and lowliness.  And the Son of God deigns to become and to be called Son of Man—not changing what He was (for It is unchangeable), but assuming what He was not (for He is full of love to man), that the Incomprehensible might be comprehended, conversing with us through the mediation of the Flesh as through a veil, since it was not possible for that nature which is subject to birth and decay to endure His unveiled Godhead.  Therefore the Unmingled is mingled; and not only is God mingled with birth and Spirit with flesh, and the Eternal with time, and the Uncircumscribed with measure, but also Generation with Virginity and dishonor with Him who is higher than all honor—He who is impassible with Suffering, and the Immortal with the corruptible.  For since that Deceiver thought that he was unconquerable in his malice, after he had cheated us with the hope of becoming gods, he was himself cheated by God’s assumption of our nature, so that in attacking Adam as he thought, he should really meet with God.  And thus the new Adam should save the old, and the condemnation of the flesh should be abolished, death being slain by flesh.

Gregory Nazianzen, On the Holy Lights, 39.12-13

So You Want to Study the Book of Revelation

It seems that if you put ask any number of Christians in a room and ask which book of the Bible they want to study, one of the top answers will invariably be the book of Revelation.  We have a curiosity for things not yet fully revealed.  A mystery is presented and remains unsolvable, but we are unsatisfied with the texts and scenarios surrounding Jesus’ return and seek for more or better knowledge.  This aspect of human nature—to know the unknown—is a gift of God as the Solomon has said:

It is the glory of God to conceal things,
    but the glory of kings is to search things out.  (Pr 25:2)

But there is a point at which we are to stop looking because it is unknowable and just appreciate the thing for what it is:

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.  (Ec 3:11)

The lack of knowability never stops us, however.  Like Eve, who was tempted with the promise “that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Ge 3:5), we press to gain more understanding of the deep mysteries, even though they are never revealed.

In an effort to help keep Christians from hitching their carts to the wrong end of their horses, I determined the best response to the above request is something like this:

Okay, fair enough.  How well do you know Genesis?

What am I getting at?  Know the beginning before jumping to the end.  You may say, “But I’m a Christian.  I don’t need to know that Old Testament stuff.”  Oh, really?  That would be like picking up a P. D. James mystery, opening to the ultimate chapter, and trying to understand what this Adam Dalgliesh character is uncovering.  You need the back story.  So, in relation to the study of end things, do you understand what happened in Genesis that needs to be wrapped up in Revelation?

Is an adequate knowledge of Genesis or any part of the OT necessary if we understand that Jesus came once to die for sin and will come again to right all wrong?  Genesis establishes the groundwork and lays the basis for everything that happens through the rest of Scripture, and Revelation gives the culmination.  We can look at the Bible as structured this way:

The Covenantal Arrangement of the Christian Bible  © 2005 Miles V. Van Pelt

Covenant Prologue	Law	Prophets	Writings	Covenant Epilogue
Genesis	Exodus Leviticus Number Deuteronomy	Judges Samuel Kings Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel 12 Minor	Psalms Job Proverbs Ruth S of Songs Ecclesiastes Lamentations Esther Daniel Ezra Nehemiah Chronicles	Revelation
	Matthew Mark Luke John	Acts of the Apostles	Paul’s Epistles Hebrews James 1, 2 Peter 1, 2, 3 John Jude
	Covenant	Covenant History	Covenant Life

OT order is that found in the Hebrew Bible.  By using this we can see how the major sections of all Scripture is united theologically with Jesus at the center as He spoke on the road to Emmaus:

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  (Lu 24:44)

By giving short shrift to the beginning (and even the middle), the end is treated more as a curiosity than the comfort of promises ultimately fulfilled.  Study the things concerning the end but in its proper place and time, having a foundation of where redemption history has been, so we might appreciate where and to Whom it goes.

Heaven on Earth by Arthur A. Just – Book Review

I have been reading books on liturgy recently* to better understand both the history and theology of what should happen as believers gather together on Sunday.  Heaven on Earth: The Gifts of God in the Divine Service by Arthur A. Just, Jr. is a welcome addition to that reading list.  While Luther Reed and Frank Senn approach the subject more academically or scholastically, Just delivers the goods in a more pastoral and accessible style, desiring to impress upon the average reader the historic five-fold structure of liturgy, plus the Church Year and Hours, and how these draw from and point to Christ.

Because the liturgy is historic, the author establishes the theology of worship, then lays out how the early church structured their meetings drawing from their Jewish roots.  He then builds and includes the interconnectedness of baptism and the Lord’s Supper to the gathering, establishing the practice and wisdom of when believers were brought into full table fellowship.  Following this are chapters explaining the two main parts of the Divine Service—Liturgy of the Word; Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper—and how the flow of the service moves throughout.  Finally, there is an historic view of how the liturgy changed over the centuries, pointing out both the medieval corruptions and Martin Luther’s corrections, and a proposal for how to approach liturgical reform today.

Each chapter was chock full of excellent material, but there were two chapters in particular that stood out.  The first dealt with the place of psalms in worship.  The psalter is both a songbook and a prayer guide.  Whether in a corporate gathering or individually isolated, these works of David, Moses, etc. beautifully express the whole of human existence and our Lord’s place within it.  What these men of God expressed is a fount of blessing for the Church as they recount the uncertainty of human circumstance, and concomitant emotions, alongside the certitude of divine promise and providence.  We can understand, then, why Jewish, Patristic, and Medieval saints were driven to memorize them and have them as part of their regular worship.

The other chapter that impressed me mightily dealt with the historic overview.  There I found a wealth of information to help any church group (not just Lutheran) understand how better to approach the entire subject.  Referring to those who desire to jettison liturgy for a more relevant worship style for cultural appeal:

Perhaps what is wrong is not the liturgy but those who do liturgy, their understanding, their commitment to it, and their execution of it.  The targets of liturgical renewal are the clergy and the congregation.  The problems are less liturgical and more theological, centering more in our anthropology and ecclesiology than our liturgiology.  What is wrong is not the liturgy but the culture; thus instead of constantly asking what's wrong with the liturgy, we should be asking what's wrong with the culture.  We should concentrate our attention on the renewal of of the culture through liturgy, not vice versa.  The goal of good liturgy is always the transforming of culture by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This is not accomplished if the liturgy is subject to the whims of the culture.  Untransformed by liturgy, culture effectively destroys that liturgy.  The Church becomes indistinguishable from the culture, and the Gospel is lost.  (264)

And for those wanting to make the liturgy more individualized for those gathering together:

In our individualistic society, where we all want to do things our own way, one of the worst things we can do in our liturgies is cater to all these individual tastes.  Variety does not solve problems; it creates them.  The reason people are bored with the liturgy is not because there is no variety but because what takes place in the liturgy is perceived to be insignificant.  (267)

The author writes from a Lutheran point of view,† but do not let that prevent you from investigating what is presented.  Whether or not your local assembly has a formal liturgy, this book will be of benefit in understanding worship, both personally and corporately.


*  Luther Reed, The Lutheran Liturgy; Frank C. Senn, Introduction to Christian Liturgy and Christian Liturgy.
†  Dr. Just is professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Mercy in Judgment

Many times over the centuries, the God of Scripture has been considered a capricious, vindictive, despotic monster for His actions against sinful actions.  Those stating these descriptors weigh actions of judgment against Jesus’ instruction that God is love and wants to reconcile the world to Himself and us to each other.  The disconnect appears to be insurmountable.  What naysayers (and many Christians) overlook is that God never executes judgment beyond what is necessary: the effects are direct, never extending beyond the intended object—unless we choose to ignore the warning and remain in harm’s way.

The Lord had begun a series of plagues against the nation of Egypt for the way they had treated His people Israel.  The first four that came upon the Egyptians caused great annoyance and discomfort, but otherwise did not harm any living creature save for the frogs, gnats, and flies that were God’s instruments.  The fifth plague, however, was severe and killed all the livestock, and the sixth was personally painful as boils came on man and beast.

It is the seventh plague to which we might turn our attention.  In preparation, God sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to tell him:

For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.  For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth.  But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.  (Ex 9:14-16)

Pharaoh was exalting himself above the people of Israel, and God was going to make an example out of him and his people.  Notice that the plagues had been measured in order to teach all of Egypt a lesson they would never forget, because Pharaoh was too proud to admit his rightful place before the Almighty God.  Even now, though, the coming plague had with it a measure of mercy, so that the hail would not do more damage than was intended.

Behold, about this time tomorrow I will cause very heavy hail to fall, such as never has been in Egypt from the day it was founded until now.  Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them.  (Ex 9:18-19)

Remember that the Egyptians’ livestock had all died in plague five.  Evidently, enough time had gone by to allow the replenishment of livestock through purchase or trade.  So as not to inflict damage to the new livestock or any person, the people were given clear warning to bring them to shelter.  This plague was designed to affect only the crops and trees—two food sources—yet even in this the Lord showed mercy because only a portion of the crop was damaged because the rest had not come up yet.

The flax and the barley were struck down, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud.  But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up.  (Ex 9:31-32)

Some Egyptians listened to Moses’ warning and brought their slaves and livestock into shelter, while the rest stubbornly ignored it and suffered loss of life, bringing trouble on themselves.  The plagues were having their desired effect: the former recognized and believed in the God of the Hebrews, trusting in the word of the prophet; the latter were hardened and chose to cling to their own gods to their loss.

In each plague the Lord was merciful in judgment in order to show the people their sinful ways and show Himself as Lord of all.  He desired that they all (not just the children of Israel) might exalt the Lord.  Indeed, a mixed multitude of non-Hebrews left with Moses for the Promised Land (Ex 12:38), choosing to identify with the God of Israel who had won a great victory.*

Scripture mentions varying responses that God has toward sinful acts.  Some he deals with harshly and suddenly, while others appear to receive of a reprieve for the initial act but detailing the damaging consequences.  Do the varying punishments mean that God is capricious?  No, it means He knows more than we do both of the immediate situation and His grand work of providence.  What we do know is that the Creator of all is patient beyond measure

The Lᴏʀᴅ is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.  (Ps 103:8-10)

with the end that all might repent

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  (2 Pe 3:9)

It may be difficult to understand why a righteous God would be so patient with wicked mankind and not destroy them immediately, but then we each only need to look at ourselves and be thankful that He was, else would also be my fate.  Not all will believe that Jesus is the Passover lamb slain for their sin, but for us who do, ponder with grateful adoration and awe that we are now in Him.


*  This group was admittedly problematic.  At one point in the wandering, they led the grumbling against Moses (Nu 11:4), however some, like Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kennizite, were wholly faithful to the Lord (Nu 14:6, 24, 30; 32:12).

Mourning a Love Lost

The word of the Lᴏʀᴅ came to me, saying,
“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lᴏʀᴅ,
    I remember the devotion of your youth,
        your love as a bride,
    how you followed me in the wilderness,
        in a land not sown.
    Israel was holy to the Lᴏʀᴅ,
        the firstfruits of his harvest.
    All who ate of it incurred guilt;
        disaster came upon them,
               declares the Lᴏʀᴅ.”  (Jer 2:1-3)

The Holy One of Israel takes the relationship between himself and his people seriously.  In the above, YHWH is looking back to an early time in Israel’s history when the people were redeemed and delivered from bondage (De 7:8; 9:26; 13:5; 15:15; 21:8; 24:18).  He describes that time as full of love and devotion as a bride for her husband in the way they followed the Lord.*  He opposed whomever attempted to use or turn the people for his own desires.  At this time, however, the nation had turned its back on God, so that he asks, “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?” (Jer 2:5)  He then goes on to identify symptoms showing their forgetfulness and neglect.

God’s deeds and word

They did not say, “Where is the Lᴏʀᴅ
    who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us in the wilderness,
    in a land of deserts and pits,
in a land of drought and deep darkness,
        in a land that none passes through,
        where no man dwells?”  (Jer 2:6)

The priests did not say, “Where is the Lᴏʀᴅ?”
    Those who handle the law did not know me;
the shepherds transgressed against me;
    the prophets prophesied by Baal
    and went after things that do not profit.  (Jer 2:8)

The people had forgotten the place from which they had been redeemed, the plagues that gained them release, and the steadfast love of the Lord as he watch over and cared for them through the 40 years of wandering.  Somewhere along the way, the mighty deeds became passé.   Not content to dwell on the goodness of God and his continuing, bounteous care for them, the people chased after what the surrounding nations were offering.  As a result, they defiled what God had freely supplied and became an abomination through their pursuits.

One might think that though the general populace might lose sight of their Lord, those who care for the holy teachings of God would surely pay close attention, but this was not the case.  Priests disdained the holy things.  Proclaimers of the Law spoke with the authority of false gods, not the only true God.  Service for the Lord was replaced with service for self.

In effect the nation had thrown off their God for another.  What had been their glory was retained in name only but trampled underfoot as worthless.  Instead of continuing to be refreshed at the fount of blessing, the people went after the new and different to satisfy a longing only able to be satiated by faith in their God and Savior.

Their rightful position

Is Israel a slave?  Is he a homeborn servant?
    Why then has he become a prey?  (Jer 2:14)

Israel was an elect nation with an exalted position.  They had received the Law, the promises, the blessings in order to be a light to the nations as they reflected the glory of God; yet now the nation was a shadow of its former self as they have been ravaged.  The people had brought this condition upon themselves as they sought earthly solutions for a spiritual problem.  They forsook the Lord and no longer feared him as they once had, even pretending to not have gone after false gods when the evidence was all around.  They lusted for new gods and now wanted to wriggle free being discovered in their idolatry.

God’s discipline

Why do you contend with me?
    You have all transgressed against me, declares the Lᴏʀᴅ.
In vain have I struck your children;
    they took no correction;
your own sword devoured your prophets
    like a ravening lion.  (Jer 2:29-30)

The Lord attempted to correct his children.  He loved them and did not want to see their ruin.  Instead of seeing the paths of uprightness as the ways of life, they are viewed as shackles from which to gain release.  The robe of righteousness is exchanged for a harlot’s garment to chase lustily after the things of the world and then claim innocence of any wrongdoing.

Their indifference

If a man divorces his wife and she goes from him
    and becomes another man’s wife, will he return to her?
Would not that land be greatly polluted?
You have played the whore with many lovers;
    and would you return to me? declares the Lᴏʀᴅ.  (Jer 3:1)

Israel had played the harlot and been discovered.  Now they were expecting the Lord to just accept them back, shrugging off severity of their sins and damage done.  The Northern Kingdom, Israel, had performed idolatrous acts before the Lord and were carried off for their iniquities.  Judah had seen this and in their indifference had done the same, knowing the consequences, making their acts of rebellion more repugnant than their conquered brethren.

God still cares about these things
While reading this passage, I was thinking on the state of God’s people, the American church, today.  The similarities are striking: little or no remembrance of the wondrous deeds of our Lord, the disregard for faithful teaching of Scripture, a burning desire to apply the world’s methods in Christian worship, and flippantly thinking that our corruptions do not matter so much.  Much incorrect and invalid teaching is found in pulpits today.  Worship practices border on or overstep the line into the grotesque and barbaric.  There are several websites that can point you to specific examples.

Parachurch ministries are equally guilty.  TBN has a network full of bad teachers.  Beth Moore has been around awhile and still mishandles the Bible.  A newer questionable women’s ministry has arisen—IF:Gathering, whose next annual videocast is being actively promoted through evangelical churches.  Their stated purpose is

We exist to gather, equip and unleash the next generation of women to live out their purpose.

This sounds all well and good, but at least two ladies involved with the ministry—Ann Voskamp and Christine Cain—are known false teachers.  Where is the discernment?

Are all American churches corrupt?  No, but one wonders how small the remnant of the faithful might be.  In my county of 215,000 residents, I continually see churches attempt to mimic popular, trending tactics promoted elsewhere in the country.  The faithful churches go largely unnoticed, but they can succumb to deception by actively or passively endorsing ministries like those I note above, which eventually undermine and erode sound doctrine.

God’s continual call to fealty
In Jeremiah 3:12 and following, God has the prophet proclaim a call to return.  He desires for his chosen people to repent of their sins and be restored to their rightful place as sons that he might be a faithful shepherd to them.  The New Testament church has received the same call.  In Revelation 2-3, John is told to write messages to churches in various states of decay.  Something is amiss in most of them: Smyrna and Philadelphia do not receive a corrective.  The church in America (and Western Civilization?) is in a similar place: we have left our first love; we allow aberrant teaching; we have tolerated the woman Jezebel; we are apathetic.  Jesus still calls for his people to repent—empowered by God to do the first works; to hold fast; to put away false teaching and complacency.  He remains faithful to receive us.

Quieting Fear in the Sinner; Inciting Fear in the Righteous

The Lᴏʀᴅ is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lᴏʀᴅ preserves all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.  (Ps 145:18-20)

If [God] frightens the sinner and the person who is remaining in his sins, he carries him into despair and rejection of hope.  But if he blesses the righteous man, he weakens the intensity of his virtue and causes him to be neglectful of zeal as one who has already been blessed.  For this reason he has mercy on the sinner, but frightens the righteous man.  “He is fearful,” [scripture] says, “to all around him,”* and “The Lord is good to all.”†  “He is fearful,” [scripture] says, “to all around him,” and who would these be but the saints?  “For God,” David says, “who is glorified in the counsel of saints, is great and fearful to all around him.”  If he sees someone fallen, he extends a hand of kindness.  If he sees someone standing, he applies fear.  This, too, belongs to righteous judgment.  For he causes the righteous man to stand fast through fear, and raises up the sinner through kindness.  And do you want to learn of his timely goodness and severity that is useful and suited to us?  Pay careful attention in order that the greatness of the thought may not escape your notice.… He says to sinners, “If your sins are like scarlet, I will make [them] white as snow.”‡  And he changes the darkness into light by the change of repentance, and puts an end to so great an abundance of evils by the voice of his goodness.  To the man who walks in righteousness he says, “Whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!,’ is liable to the hell of fire.”§  He applies such severity to one word, and measures out so much liberality to so many sins.

Severian of Gabala, On Repentance and Contrition, II.13

*  Psalm 89:7
†  Psalm 145:9

‡  Isaiah 1:18
§  Matthew 5:22

Giving Glory Where It Is Due

Have you ever wanted to shout in triumph for how the Lord works?  King David has a similar desire in the words of Psalm 21.  Considered by some to be a song of battle triumph, this psalm has been called a Te Deum on the king’s return* as David extols YHWH for His working in the king:

O Lᴏʀᴅ, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

It was through the Almighty’s enabling that salvation had been gained, and David desired to express his overflow of gratitude and praise.  He does not stop with the expression of praise but explains how the Lord has provided to merit such laud:

• Answered prayer (v. 2) – given him his heart’s desire … not withheld the request
• Prosperity (v. 3) – meet him with rich blessings … crown of fine gold
• Life (v. 4) – you gave [life] to him … length of days
• Honor (v. 5) – glory is great … splendor and majesty
• Blessing (v. 6) – most blessed forever … glad with the joy of your presence
• Contentment (v. 7) – the king trusts … he shall not be moved

All these the king has received according to the Lord’s goodness, and because they have been received, they can be dispersed to all in whom the king desires to show favor.

David then addresses his words to the king and what he will deliver to his enemies:

• Discovered (v. 8) – Your hand will find out all your enemies; … those who hate you
• Consumed (v. 9) – as a blazing oven … swallow them up … fire will consume
• Destruction (v. 10) – You will destroy their descendants … and their offspring
• Failure (v. 11) – Though they plan evil … though they devise mischief, they will not succeed
• Dread (v. 12) – put them to flight … aim at their faces with your bows

While going through this psalm in my reading, I was struck by the fact that David never refers to himself as the recipient of all the Lord’s blessings, nor as the instrument of vengeance on the enemies: all references are third person.  David wants to remove himself as the individual benefactor and judge, but whoever holds the office of king can rightfully consider himself in the same light, assuming he walks in the light of the Lord.  As well, this psalm is looking forward to David’s promised Son:

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.  When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.  And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me.  Your throne shall be established forever.  (2 Sam 7:12-16)

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches.  I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.  (Rev 22:16)

Messiah will establish the throne forever as the builder of David’s house and only legitimate heir.  It is the Lord Jesus alone to whom the words of the psalm sufficiently apply and in whom is the ultimate fulfillment.  Only God Himself who can accomplish both the promise and realization.  Understanding this, David completes the psalm the same way he begins—with glory to God alone.

Be exalted, O Lᴏʀᴅ, in your strength!  We will sing and praise your power.

I leave the last word with Theodoret of Cyrus from his Commentary on the Psalms:

Not for being lowly is God exalted, nor does He receive what He does not possess.  Instead what He possesses He reveals, so it was right for the psalmist to say: Your exaltation is revealed in Your ineffable power, which we shall continue to celebrate and sing, recounting Your marvelous works.  (21.13)

*  J. J. Stewart Perowne, Commentary on the Psalms, Kregel, 232