Spent the first half of this week in a missions conference in Clayton; we’re thankful for the kind North Georgia hospitality shown to us there.
Early tomorrow we drive to Johnson City, Tennessee. I’ll teach S.S. in the morning; in the evening we’ll present our future ministry in Uruguay.
Next week, beginning Wednesday, we take part in another conference in Rock Hill, SC.
Thank you for your prayers for us!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Termination Dust: 5 of 5
Thoughts on Psalm 90 and September
Last month I again spent several days in Utah, an area where I lived part of my teenage years. I am now twice as old. Those years seem long ago; yet time has passed very quickly. As people “in Christ,” we have not experienced—and never will—God’s unbridled wrath. But perhaps you have become acutely aware of the brevity of life. Perhaps you have suffered in some way the excruciating effects of the Fall. Perhaps you have learned something of God’s dealings with sin and of the fleeting nature of life. And you want to respond with wisdom and with a fear of God.
How do we respond to the brevity of life? How do we respond with wisdom? Compare these two possibilities:
“Life is short. I need to get busy. I need to get up, to work harder, to study better, and to invest in my family. I need to give the gospel more faithfully. No more games! There is work to do.”
Or, “Return, O Yahweh! Be sorry for Your servants. Satisfy us with Your lovingkindness. Make us glad. Let Your work and Your majesty appear to Your servants. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands.”
The first is not all bad. But the second mirrors what Moses prays in the remaining verses of this psalm. I would suggest that here we have a Holy-Spirit-inspired application and response to the brevity of life. Moses has just “numbered his days,” and they numbered 70 or 80 years (though, of course, God gave him a few more). What follows (and this is my attempt at a summary) is a humble appeal to God for grace (vv. 13-17). Or, in other words—words with which Moses began this psalm—it is a responding to life’s brevity by fleeing to the eternal God for refuge. The Christian servant may rest in the One who was here before the mountains were born. Hide in Him who, from everlasting to everlasting, is God. Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus with words like these:
“Have compassion. Make me glad! Show me Your glory! And establish. (That has the sound of permanence.) Establish—for I certainly cannot. Establish the works of my hands!”
This has implications for how we carry out the work of our Lord’s last commission to the church to make disciples. It is not merely a matter of working harder. It is not at all a matter of mustering our own strength for the task. It has everything to do with an appeal for God to show His own glory in working and in doing what we cannot do. Let’s work. Let’s work very hard! But only as we completely rely upon the grace of God.
Last month I again spent several days in Utah, an area where I lived part of my teenage years. I am now twice as old. Those years seem long ago; yet time has passed very quickly. As people “in Christ,” we have not experienced—and never will—God’s unbridled wrath. But perhaps you have become acutely aware of the brevity of life. Perhaps you have suffered in some way the excruciating effects of the Fall. Perhaps you have learned something of God’s dealings with sin and of the fleeting nature of life. And you want to respond with wisdom and with a fear of God.
How do we respond to the brevity of life? How do we respond with wisdom? Compare these two possibilities:
“Life is short. I need to get busy. I need to get up, to work harder, to study better, and to invest in my family. I need to give the gospel more faithfully. No more games! There is work to do.”
Or, “Return, O Yahweh! Be sorry for Your servants. Satisfy us with Your lovingkindness. Make us glad. Let Your work and Your majesty appear to Your servants. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands.”
The first is not all bad. But the second mirrors what Moses prays in the remaining verses of this psalm. I would suggest that here we have a Holy-Spirit-inspired application and response to the brevity of life. Moses has just “numbered his days,” and they numbered 70 or 80 years (though, of course, God gave him a few more). What follows (and this is my attempt at a summary) is a humble appeal to God for grace (vv. 13-17). Or, in other words—words with which Moses began this psalm—it is a responding to life’s brevity by fleeing to the eternal God for refuge. The Christian servant may rest in the One who was here before the mountains were born. Hide in Him who, from everlasting to everlasting, is God. Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus with words like these:
“Have compassion. Make me glad! Show me Your glory! And establish. (That has the sound of permanence.) Establish—for I certainly cannot. Establish the works of my hands!”
This has implications for how we carry out the work of our Lord’s last commission to the church to make disciples. It is not merely a matter of working harder. It is not at all a matter of mustering our own strength for the task. It has everything to do with an appeal for God to show His own glory in working and in doing what we cannot do. Let’s work. Let’s work very hard! But only as we completely rely upon the grace of God.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Termination Dust: 4 of 5
Thoughts on Psalm 90 and September
Even as far south as the Carolinas, at least a hint of autumn color has appeared. Each September quickly follows last September, and I suppose that most people—whether or not they’ve ever read Psalm 90—would agree: “soon it is gone and we fly away.” The brevity of life is something that everyone eventually recognizes. Not only do people die, but they learn that this event comes very soon.
So why does Moses ask “Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury,” implying that many don’t get it? The phrase appears to parallel his prayer that God “teach us to number our days.” Don’t countless people around the world understand something of God’s anger? Didn’t flood victims learn this month to number their days?
Not everyone who recognizes the brevity of life does so in a way that results in heart wisdom (v. 12) or does so according to “the fear of You [God]” (v. 11) (cf. Proverbs, where “the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom”). A sense of transience might urge us to any number of unwise—or at best, inadequate—responses. For example, in the words of a radio advertisement: “We’re not promised tomorrow; let’s make those memories today.” Fine, but inadequate. Or, to paraphrase something I heard this past summer: “After we are gone, Denali will remain.” Perhaps the speaker was not implying anything idolatrous; but if our sense of transience does urge us to worship anything other than the eternal God, then we have not adequately numbered our days.
“So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.”
Moses’ prayer is a good prayer for us.
Even as far south as the Carolinas, at least a hint of autumn color has appeared. Each September quickly follows last September, and I suppose that most people—whether or not they’ve ever read Psalm 90—would agree: “soon it is gone and we fly away.” The brevity of life is something that everyone eventually recognizes. Not only do people die, but they learn that this event comes very soon.
So why does Moses ask “Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury,” implying that many don’t get it? The phrase appears to parallel his prayer that God “teach us to number our days.” Don’t countless people around the world understand something of God’s anger? Didn’t flood victims learn this month to number their days?
Not everyone who recognizes the brevity of life does so in a way that results in heart wisdom (v. 12) or does so according to “the fear of You [God]” (v. 11) (cf. Proverbs, where “the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom”). A sense of transience might urge us to any number of unwise—or at best, inadequate—responses. For example, in the words of a radio advertisement: “We’re not promised tomorrow; let’s make those memories today.” Fine, but inadequate. Or, to paraphrase something I heard this past summer: “After we are gone, Denali will remain.” Perhaps the speaker was not implying anything idolatrous; but if our sense of transience does urge us to worship anything other than the eternal God, then we have not adequately numbered our days.
“So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.”
Moses’ prayer is a good prayer for us.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Termination Dust: 3 of 5
Thoughts on Psalm 90 and September
Sometimes death comes peacefully, but often it does not. Sometimes God seems to just sweep people away violently, as well might a Caribbean hurricane at this time of year. If it seems to us as if God is angry, we’re correct. No, we do not understand all of God’s ways; we might not know specific purposes or reasons for any given September event; and comparatively good people do perish alongside the relatively evil. But in general terms Psalm 90 not only tells us that God ends life but that he does so in part because of His anger (vv. 7, 9, 11). And the cause of this anger is people’s sin (v. 8). Every human—indeed, all of nature—is in some way subject to the effects of the Genesis Fall and Curse. What are the implications of this? My only possible refuge is a God who is (at the same time) angry at my sin. This leaves me miserably in need of someone to experience that wrath in my place and to propitiate God the Father. Such a gospel would be good news indeed!
Sometimes death comes peacefully, but often it does not. Sometimes God seems to just sweep people away violently, as well might a Caribbean hurricane at this time of year. If it seems to us as if God is angry, we’re correct. No, we do not understand all of God’s ways; we might not know specific purposes or reasons for any given September event; and comparatively good people do perish alongside the relatively evil. But in general terms Psalm 90 not only tells us that God ends life but that he does so in part because of His anger (vv. 7, 9, 11). And the cause of this anger is people’s sin (v. 8). Every human—indeed, all of nature—is in some way subject to the effects of the Genesis Fall and Curse. What are the implications of this? My only possible refuge is a God who is (at the same time) angry at my sin. This leaves me miserably in need of someone to experience that wrath in my place and to propitiate God the Father. Such a gospel would be good news indeed!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Termination Dust: 2 of 5
Thoughts on Psalm 90 and September
If Alaskan “termination dust” has a strange sound to southern ears, the reality of another termination dust should not. Both hemispheres know the truth of what Moses recorded elsewhere: “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). God is eternal. You and I are not. People die. And not only do they die, but it is God Himself who ends their lives (v. 3). To acknowledge this in abstract terms is easy. On the personal level it is excruciating. Even as people who believe the Bible, our minds and hearts will wrestle with this problem until our own turn comes. Yet until then we are not left without at least a partial explanation of why God speaks, as it were, and the bodies of people we love return to dust.
It is not only that God can end people’s lives because He is “Lord” (v. 1) and Creator. (Though as such, He has the right to end what He started.) But the text seems to hint that death also has to do with the Divine perspective on time: God turns men back into dust because in His sight even a thousand years are as if already gone. When Grandma passed away last September, we could have wished for just a little more time. This is understandable and right. But how much more? Three days? Ten months? A thousand years? Even a millennium, when properly understood, is but the vapor of exhaled breath on a chilly Montevideo morning.
There is, however, a clearer reason for which God brings people’s lives to an end. It is a reason that takes up a fair amount of space in this psalm.
If Alaskan “termination dust” has a strange sound to southern ears, the reality of another termination dust should not. Both hemispheres know the truth of what Moses recorded elsewhere: “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). God is eternal. You and I are not. People die. And not only do they die, but it is God Himself who ends their lives (v. 3). To acknowledge this in abstract terms is easy. On the personal level it is excruciating. Even as people who believe the Bible, our minds and hearts will wrestle with this problem until our own turn comes. Yet until then we are not left without at least a partial explanation of why God speaks, as it were, and the bodies of people we love return to dust.
It is not only that God can end people’s lives because He is “Lord” (v. 1) and Creator. (Though as such, He has the right to end what He started.) But the text seems to hint that death also has to do with the Divine perspective on time: God turns men back into dust because in His sight even a thousand years are as if already gone. When Grandma passed away last September, we could have wished for just a little more time. This is understandable and right. But how much more? Three days? Ten months? A thousand years? Even a millennium, when properly understood, is but the vapor of exhaled breath on a chilly Montevideo morning.
There is, however, a clearer reason for which God brings people’s lives to an end. It is a reason that takes up a fair amount of space in this psalm.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Termination Dust: 1 of 5
Thoughts on Psalm 90 and September
I suspect that Uruguayans are looking forward to spring, which in the southern hemisphere is just around the corner. This year especially, following a very cold winter, the warmer temperatures will be welcomed. Much further north, however, the prospect is different. It is early September, and on some of Alaska’s mountains “termination dust” has appeared—the first dusting of new snow that confirms summer’s end. Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90 highlights both the reality of this fleeting summer and the reality of the God who is older than these mountains. He is the Sovereign—“Lord”—and He is a dwelling place for some. And, in contrast with you and me, He is eternal. We have the opportunity today to respond wisely to life’s brevity by humbly taking refuge in Him, appealing to Him for grace.
(1) Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. (2) Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. (3) You turn man back into dust And say, "Return, O children of men." (4) For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it passes by, Or as a watch in the night. (5) You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep; In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew. (6) In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew; Toward evening it fades and withers away. (7) For we have been consumed by Your anger And by Your wrath we have been dismayed. (8) You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your presence. (9) For all our days have declined in Your fury; We have finished our years like a sigh. (10) As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. (11) Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? (12) So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (13) Do return, O LORD; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants. (14) Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (15) Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, And the years we have seen evil. (16) Let Your work appear to Your servants And Your majesty to their children. (17) Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands. Psalm 90:1-12 NASB
I suspect that Uruguayans are looking forward to spring, which in the southern hemisphere is just around the corner. This year especially, following a very cold winter, the warmer temperatures will be welcomed. Much further north, however, the prospect is different. It is early September, and on some of Alaska’s mountains “termination dust” has appeared—the first dusting of new snow that confirms summer’s end. Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90 highlights both the reality of this fleeting summer and the reality of the God who is older than these mountains. He is the Sovereign—“Lord”—and He is a dwelling place for some. And, in contrast with you and me, He is eternal. We have the opportunity today to respond wisely to life’s brevity by humbly taking refuge in Him, appealing to Him for grace.
(1) Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. (2) Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. (3) You turn man back into dust And say, "Return, O children of men." (4) For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it passes by, Or as a watch in the night. (5) You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep; In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew. (6) In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew; Toward evening it fades and withers away. (7) For we have been consumed by Your anger And by Your wrath we have been dismayed. (8) You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your presence. (9) For all our days have declined in Your fury; We have finished our years like a sigh. (10) As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. (11) Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? (12) So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (13) Do return, O LORD; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants. (14) Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (15) Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, And the years we have seen evil. (16) Let Your work appear to Your servants And Your majesty to their children. (17) Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands. Psalm 90:1-12 NASB
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Request for Prayer
Preaching from Psalm 90 in a few hours. Christians need to respond to the eternality of God and the brevity of life in a humble appeal for grace from God, our only refuge. Sinners need the propitiation of God's wrath, found in the gospel. They, too, must respond to God's eternality and life's brevity in a humble appeal for grace from God, their only refuge.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sojourning in SC
I returned "home" this evening, having traveled from Colorado via Iowa and Ohio. It is good to be back together as a family. The Lord has carried us all summer. Thanks much to those who prayed for us! (Please don't stop!) jms
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
