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Respite For the Weary
All too often, we choose to keep our dirty clothes on. We're too comfortable; we're too guilty; we're too passive; we're too self-righteous; we're too afraid to take the risk. If we really knew what it meant to wear his robe we would not hesitate to have Jesus himself wrap us in it. He's holding it up for us to put one arm in, then the other. Will we?
Who needs grace, raise your hand.
My hand is up high. I need grace upon grace!
In my newly released children's book Christmas Morning, a little girl unwraps her final gift. She opens a box to find...a crimson red rode. It's velvety soft, and on the pocket, her name is monogrammed in white. After all the other gifts she has opened (see previous posts) she is humbled that this exquisite robe was hand-stitched, made uniquely for her. When the little girl puts the robe on, she feels like she is wearing love itself.
Symbolically, the name of this gift is the robe of amazing grace and it is meant for each one of us who knows Jesus as Savior.
Can you believe the King of kings took off his royal robe and gave it to you and me? But even before he did this act, he, in his lovingkindness, first took off our own filthy garments. All our sin was removed and placed on him at the cross. He dealt with it there completely. It is finished.
Then he robed us in his righteousness. Now that's amazing grace!
Here are a few verses that speak into this truth:
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness... Isaiah 61:10
Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” Zechariah 3:3-4
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9.
And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants,‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:21-24
All too often, we choose to keep our dirty clothes on. We're too comfortable; we're too guilty; we're too passive; we're too self-righteous; we're too afraid to take the risk. If we really knew what it meant to wear his robe we would not hesitate to have Jesus himself wrap us in it. He's holding it up for us to put one arm in, then the other. Will we?
In the story, I chose crimson red for the robe because it represents royalty. When we accept Christ, we belong to a kingdom that will out last and out shine anything this world has to offer.
Become the little girl in Christmas Morning. Marvel at his amazing grace and humbly wear his robe. It's yours--your name is monogrammed on the pocket.
You are his.
Check out my previous posts for other ABC scripture-based phrases. Last week’s was Helper, please Help! This week it’s Invade me and Involve me.
Invade me and Involve me? Synopsis of Exodus 5-14.
During ancient times, the Israelite nation was in great distress because they were living as slaves in Egypt. The Pharaoh mistreated the Israelites by demanding hard physical labor with little rest and nourishment. Thankfully, God heard the desperate cry of His people; He then selected Moses to deliver them from bondage. When Moses and his brother Aaron approached Pharaoh about the Israelites’ freedom, he refused to listen. In fact, he responded to them by saying, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” Pharaoh did not allow God to invade him and involve him; in the end, his stubborn denial and hardened heart became his downfall.
Invade me and Involve me! Synopsis of 4:10-12, Exodus 14
However, Moses, although tentative at first, obediently followed the Lord’s commands. He faced Pharaoh and told him to let God’s people go. When Pharaoh refused, God worked through Moses by sending plague after plague on the Egyptian land and people. Finally, Pharaoh relented and released the slaves, only to chase after them a short time later. The fearful Israelites came to the edge of the vast Red Sea with nowhere to turn. God once again invaded and involved Moses by telling him to lift up his staff and stretch out his hand; and through God’s power, the Sea divided into two walls of water, and all God’s people walked through on dry ground towards freedom.
When I look at these two contrasting biblical characters, here are some questions I ask myself:
Do I realize that the Holy Spirit is alive in me?
Do I realize that my flesh can quench the Spirit?
At this moment, is there something the Lord wants me to be involved in concerning his kingdom work?
Am I willing?
I am so thankful for the life-changing truth of the gospel. Because of the Christ’s death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit can now invade and involve anyone who believes on His name. Pharaoh did not believe, Moses did. Pharaoh was stubborn, Moses was submissive… and their stories unfolded.
You too, have something of Him to give this world–something that only you can give. Believe you are His unique workmanship. Allow Him to invade you and involve you.
On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. Ps 138:3
The previous ABC post was Invade me and Involve me. The next letter and phrase is J:Just for the Unjust.
Just for the Unjust? Synopsis of John 18:33-40.
During Jesus’ questioning and trial before Pilate, a mocking crowd, spear-headed by the high ranking Jewish leaders, had gathered. These jealous leaders wanted Jesus to be put to death because He was gaining many followers into what they believed was heresy. Pilate was unsure of what to do because he found no guilt in this man (Jesus). He eventually spoke this option to the heated crowd, “You have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary. Barabbas was certainly not a just man; therefore, he could not have given his life for an unjust people.
Just for the Unjust! Synopsis of John 19.
But then there was Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. No blemish, no flaw, no sin, no guilt. All love, all truth, all mercy, all God. The story unfolds: Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and threw a purple robe around Him. And they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail King of the Jews!” and were slapping His face…when the chief priests and the temple police saw Him they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” And soon afterwards, Jesus was nailed to a cross and put to death, becoming the One and only, Just for the unjust.
When I look at the above story, I ask myself:
Who am I like in this story?
Sadly, I can see myself in all the characters:
I am Pilate who sometimes gives into people pleasing.
I am one of the chief priests, pressing forward with my own selfish agenda.
I am one of the soldiers, mocking and striking and turning away.
I am Barabbas, a sinner who was released, with the God-Man dying in my place.
And with these thoughts, I then want to cry out, “Dear Jesus, thank You!"
You became poor that I might become rich!
You gave Your life a ransom for many!
You who knew no sin became sin!
By Your stripes I am healed!
(2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 20:28; 2 Cor. 5:21; Is. 53:5).
Let's spend today filled up with humble gratitude.
For Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God… (I Peter 3:18).
Amen and amen.
The last few ABC posts have been: Helper, please Help, Invade me and Involve me, and Just for the Unjust. The next letter and phrase brings us to Kind Words, Kind Ways.
Kind Words, Kind Ways? Synopsis of 1 Kings 21:1-25; 2 Kings 9:30-37.
There once was a queen named Jezebel who reigned over Israel during the days of Elijah the prophet. She was an extremely evil queen who persuaded her husband, King Ahab, and all of Israel, to worship Baal. Unkind words and unkind ways continuously poured from Jezebel's heart. For example, she deliberately had an innocent man, Naboth, falsely accused and then stoned to death just so her husband Ahab could possess his piece of land in order to grow a vegetable garden. Jezebel's evil heart brought about much death and destruction in Israel; in the end, her own actions brought about her untimely and brutal demise.
Kind Words, Kind Ways! Synopsis of 1 Kings 17:1-16.
During this same time period, there was a widow who lived alone with her son. A severe drought had come over Israel due to God's judgment and Elijah's prayer. This woman was gathering sticks to build a fire for her and her son's last meal when the Elijah approached her. He said to her, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink…and bring me, please, a piece of bread." Although the woman had only a handful of flour and a little oil, she willingly prepared a small cake from what she had. As a result, Elijah said to her, "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land." God daily blessed her for her kind words and kind ways.
What an extreme contrast between these two women! One was full of selfish ambition and the other was the picture of selflessness. My intentions may not ever be as evil as Jezebel's, but I do have to stop and ask myself:
What is the motive behind the things I think, say, and do?
Am I pushing others aside or manipulating a situation to get my own way?
Who can I be kind to today?
My prayer is that my words and ways would reflect that of the widow's, even when the situation is difficult or the circumstances are harsh. I must remember, kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. So really, if Christ lives in me, then through his Spirit, I can be kind (even to people that I might not think deserve it!).
Kindness is a choice.
Kindness softens hearts.
Kindness reflects God to others.
Today, intentionally choose kind words and kind ways. Ask the Lord to show you exactly who He wants you to bless; then ask Him to show you exactly what He wants you to say or do for this person. And then, do it. Your small portion and your act of faith, like the widow's, is all you need for the Lord to abundantly bless, not only the recipient, but your heart as well.
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us... Titus 3:3-5
The previous ABC posts have been: Invade me and Involve me, Just for the Unjust, and Kind words, Kind ways. Today is L: Loving Lord of my Life.
Loving Lord of my Life? Synopsis of Luke 10:38-42.
In the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jesus was speaking to a room full of people who were hungry to hear truth. His words were full of life and peace, so the crowd sat a His feet, feasting on every word. Meanwhile, Martha was scurrying back and forth in the kitchen preparing food for the people. When she looked up and saw Mary sitting at Jesus' feet, she became indignant. She asked Jesus, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." Jesus, who loved Martha dearly, said in response, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered by so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one…". At this particular time, Martha was allowing the distractions of the world to keep Jesus from being the Lord of her life.
Loving Lord of my Life! Synopsis of Luke 10:38-42 (same passage).
Jesus continued His conversation with Martha and pointed to her sister saying, "For Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Mary often sat at the feet of Jesus in order to hear His soothing words; they had become life and peace to her soul. She intentionally chose to make room in her life to be still before Him so she could receive His words of grace and guidance; for Jesus, friend of sinners, had become the Lord of her life.
In comparing these two sisters, both friends of Jesus, here are a few questions:
Who do I most resemble, Martha or Mary?
What are my main distractions in my life today?
Do I want to sit still with the Lord Jesus, with His living word?
Ugh, the Martha/Mary story. Oh so convicting at times! Interestingly, my post writing was delayed because I have been scurrying back and forth a lot lately. Whew, I'm tired. Then I hear the words, "(Chris, Chris) you are worried and bothered by so many things…". How quickly I can get off track.Thankfully, Jesus waits for me to be still, both body and soul. I must remember that my morning quiet time with Him is the most productive thing I do all day. There, I make Him the Lord of my life all over again-- listening to His words of healing and hope, obeying Him when He tells me to pick things up or put things down, trusting Him with my Edited agenda. When I am filled up in this way, my heart and mind are different; the scurrying and worrying are changed to peace and prayer, and the things I do become an act of worship rather than a list of frustrations. The day, all day, belongs to my Lord.
Make a intentional decision to be still; choose the one necessary thing…the good part…it will not be taken away from you. Slow down to a complete stop, then really listen at Jesus' feet, so you can be refreshed in truth and rerouted in love. He is waiting especially for you.
Previous scriptural based alphabetical phrases in my most recent posts are: Invade me and Involve me; Kind words, Kind ways; and Lord of my life. Today's post is: Make me, Mold me, Move me.
Make me, Mold me, Move me? Synopsis of Numbers 13; 14:1-11; 32-35
When God brought the Israelite nation out of Egypt, He planned to lead them into Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. Two young faith-filled men, Joshua and Caleb, scoped out the land and came back with a wonderful report. However, the Israelites were full of fear and dismay due to other men's negative reports about the presence "giants in the land." Because the people did not trust in the goodness of the Lord, He could not make, mold, or move them into the land of blessing. Their lack of faith caused God's people to wander in the desert for forty years; but even in their faithless grumbling, the Lord provided for them there, both day and night.
Make me, Mold me, Move me! Synopsis of Ruth 1:8-18; 2:1-3; 3:9-11; 4:13-15
However, in another time and place there was a Moabite woman named Ruth. She was a young widow who had lost her husband to sickness. She was left with her mother-in-law Naomi, whom she deeply loved. Eventually, Naomi, also a widow, decided that it was time to go back to Judah, her homeland. Naomi insisted that Ruth (and her sister) go back to their own family and their own gods, but Ruth was determined to follow Naomi. She spoke these devoted words to her mother-in-law, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." Because Ruth's heart was willing, God could make, mold, and move her into a land and life of blessing. The Lord rewarded Ruth's walk of faith by providing her with a kinsman redeemer and husband named Boaz, and a son named Obed; and in time and history, she became the great grandmother of King David of Israel.
When looking at these two contrasting stories, here are a few questions:
Do I let fear rule my actions or inactions?
Do I fully trust God in times of unknown?
What can I do practically to live by "faith in God" over "fear of what might happen"?
I see the fear of the Israelites and then the faith of Ruth. Fear of potential dangers kept the Israelite people from moving forward into what was already beautifully laid out before them; whereas Ruth's faith propelled her to walk forward into an unknown territory with confidence. I want to be like Ruth, having blind faith in an all-seeing God, trusting in Him more than bowing to my fears, making bold declarations and stepping into them; then, as a result, receiving His beautiful blessing within His provident plan. Yes, I want to be like Ruth.
So Lord, make me, mold me, and move me into Your will for my life.
For where You go, I will go...
My most recent ABC posts have been: Kind words, Kind ways; Loving Lord of my Life; Make me, Mold me, Move me. Today's post is Name above all Names.
Name above all Names? Synopsis of Genesis 1:1-9.
In one point in time and history, all people spoke the same language. These people who lived in the land of Shinar, came together and said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city and a tower whose top will reach heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the earth." God, seeing the intentions of their heart, could not allow them to succeed with their power-hungry plans. They wanted to be as strong and mighty as God Himself, but He alone bears the Name above all Names. Therefore, while the people were in the midst of building their high tower, He confused their language; no one could understand what was being said to one another. As a result, the building process stopped, and the people scattered across the face of the earth.
Name above all Names! Synopsis of Philippians 2:6-11.
There is only One who bears the Name above all Names, and that is Jesus. Jesus is One with God; Jesus is God incarnate. Scripture says, Jesus, who, existing in the form of God did not consider equality with God a thing to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of men, and when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow--of those who are in heaven and on earth--and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A few questions to ponder:
Am I trying to "make a name for myself" in some way?
Do I wrestle with pride or control in relationships or agendas?
What can I do in a practical way to help me turn my heart towards the Lord in these areas?
When looking at these two stories, I see one people group, unified for the purpose of making themselves great and powerful, with no regard of God at all. As a result, there was both confusion and dispersion. And then. there is Jesus, King of kings, Lord of Lords, coming to earth as a bond-slave, and giving up His own life by dying on a cross for the sins of all people... for the purpose of unifying us to him as well as to others. Scripture implores, Make your own attitude like that of Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5).
Let each one of us, TODAY, bend our knee to the Name above all Names. And then, let each one of us, TODAY, rise up and live like Jesus did. We are here not to make a name for ourselves, but to magnify his name by the things we say and do.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Psalm 115:1
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord; studied by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:1-2
Dear Lord,
Today we come to you with thankful hearts, acknowledging the great things you have done for us. We are full to overflowing with both your tangible and intangible blessings! We will name them one by one. In Jesus' Name, Amen.