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5/17/13
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May 17, 2013
“The Continental Divide of Covenants”
I’ve been “out west” a number of times, particularly in Colorado. On one of those trips I was returning to Chicago with my sons Andrew and Adam. We went to Norwood, CO to be part of a testosterone-family “work-cation” - framing out the first-floor of the guesthouse at a “Bed & Breakfast” dude ranch built by Nedra’s uncles. Planning to have at least “some” fun during our trip, I made reservations for a whitewater-rafting trip down the Arkansas River. On our way there we stopped at the Monarch Pass on US 50 – the Continental Divide. At this peaking-place water begins to make its way to either the Pacific or Atlantic. It was a great “Rocky Mountain High” hiatus for the Clark men; one I will always remember and cherish!
In our reading from two-weeks ago we came to a biblical continental divide Jeremiah. Although I should actually be writing something based on this week’s section of our reading in Jeremiah, my “Old Testament Prophets” professor would probably take serious issue with me if I didn’t stop at this “Monarch Pass” in Jeremiah. Why? Because of Jeremiah 31:31 – it’s a game-changer! (sorry about the mixed metaphor) We’ll look at that verse along with those immediately following in context (vv. 31-34)
5/10/13
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May 10, 2013
“Keep it in Context – Keep it in Christ”
It’s may be one of the best “Hallmark” verses we find on greeting cards today – especially during this time of school graduations. But known not only for this occasion, it’s a verse we see and hear a lot! It may be one of the better-known verses of the Bible.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
The question is – “Do you know the context of this verse?” If you worked through this week’s devotional readings you do – it may have been your first time to really see what was happening when these words were “put to paper.” Context is so important for understanding scripture. You see, Jeremiah 29:11 is part of a letter - a letter sent by Jeremiah for God. But to whom?
These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Jer 29:1
5/3/13
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May 3, 2013
“Are You Listening To Me?”
It would be difficult to travel through Jeremiah’s journeys and not stop to look at one of the most devastating declarations he makes; foretelling the seventy-year captivity of Judah as found in chapter 25. This truly is one of the “saddest chapters” in the history of His relationship with His people. Here it is for us to read from the lips of the prophet:
“This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” Jeremiah 25:11
The explanation for the captivity is actually quite simple. Judah, like Israel, would not listen. Well, let me rephrase that. They listened, but they stubbornly refused to change their lives. When Jeremiah accuses them of not listening we need to understand that he is holding them accountable for what they have heard. Jeremiah reminds them that he has been speaking for the Lord to them for twenty-three years.
“So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.” Jer 25:2,3
4/26/13
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April 26, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Jeremiah the Prophet – Jeremiah the Man”
It happened years ago, but I still remember the incident – vividly. Perhaps it was so, because I never saw it coming – never dreamed it could happen. A man I deeply respected and admired had a bad moment. Now, we all have these moments, but hopefully in private, or at least with someone who understands us well enough to help us through that time. I just didn’t see this one coming – but that didn’t stop it.
It was, regrettably, turning out to be one of “those” congregational meetings – you’ve been in one of “those” meetings in your life, too. The topic is controversial, the tension is rising, and then – “KABOOM” – it happens! In this particular case an elder of the church lost it. Now when I say this, I don’t mean we witnessed a brief moment of weakness – this man was on the attack; anger was taking over quickly. As I sat there in disbelief and prayer at what was unfolding before my eyes, his wife, directly in front of me, turned and said – as I remember it - “Bob, do whatever you have to do to stop this meeting before my husband looses it completely.” And so I did.
4/19/13
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April 19, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Jeremiah: Major Prophets 2.0”
Sorry, Three Dog Night - Jeremiah was “not” a bullfrog – but he was a bullhorn. God’s Bullhorn!
Our new prophet, Jeremiah, will, like Isaiah, reveal both the devotion and discipline of a loving God. His words will carry us inextricably to the final demise of God’s people in the exile. Serving in his role during the reign of several kings, this - “called from the womb” - prophet will be one of the more demonstrable spokesmen we meet in the scriptures. Even a quick read of these first chapters will reveal the collision course between a rebellious people and their Holy God.
Sifting through the early material of Jeremiah, we land on verse in chapter 2 that vividly summarizes the very essence of the problem.
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
What do you think? Kind of says it all – doesn’t it!
4/5/13
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April 5, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THAT NEW CAR SMELL!”
Okay – maybe a slight exaggeration – but you know exactly what I’m talking about. Why, it’s such an olfactory overload that some folks have even tried to replicate it through car sprays and fresheners! The smell of something new; it’s quite the sensory experience – and hard to forget! I like new things; you probably do to. A coat of fresh paint, a new shirt or sweater, even a new book; you just know when something’s new.
Now, I have no idea what heaven smells like – nothing this world knows, that’s for certain. But a new heavens and earth – why, the aroma would be…heavenly :{) In Genesis 3 our world lost that new smell – that “to God be the Glory” smell. Now, our world is filled with the aroma of sin and death. We see it – we smell it – everywhere we go. And yet, through Christ, we as believers still have the ability to be that pleasing aroma in our world – a fragrant offering.
3/29/13
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March 29, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY!”
Most of us live for the weekend. I’m not sure when “TGIF” found it’s way into our urban vocab but know this for certain – it’s here to stay. Why we even have a restaurant that bears this expression as its marquise name. A lot of us begin our week with “Monday Blues,” struggle with the uphill climb until we reach Wednesday’s “Hump,” and put the petal to the metal for TGIF. However, on this day - Good Friday - we truly should “Thank God it’s Friday!” Isaiah, perhaps more so than any other book in the Bible, leads us to appreciate Good Friday’s goodness. During this week’s reading we came across a number of these passages filled with a prophetic look into the life and death of Jesus – the Son of God and Son of Man.
As much as I like to communicate – spoken or written - sometimes it’s just best to get out of the way and let God’s Word speak for itself. So, rather than stir your minds with “Good Friday” etymology facts, I’d rather let Isaiah stir your hearts with “Good Friday” everlasting faith.
3/22/13
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March 22, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“I Will Not Forget You”
Sometime during the next couple of weeks, our next grandchild, Mary Lawson, will make her way into our world. I know her mother, Holly, hopes her birth occurs during that time frame! So, this verse in Isaiah 49 really caught my eye – and heart.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? (v. 15)
Isaiah is using a vivid picture to remind Israel of God’s love. Here’s the entire passage:
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:15,16
As special as a mother’s love is for her child, God’s love goes deeper – much deeper. Recognizing that even a mother could forget her child, the child nourished at her breast, God claims that He will not – read “never” – forget His children. Okay, I get this, but why is Isaiah bringing this up? What’s happened? Let’s look at one of the preceding verse to this section:
3/15/13
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March 15, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Well, that Should Sum it Up”
For those of you who enjoy staking your tent in the pages of Isaiah, you have undoubtedly quench your thirst repeated times from the streams of Isaiah 43. Or, to put as some have said, in a slightly less eloquent way, “It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant!”
This is a soul-satisfying chapter; rich in language and love. It’s a passage that ponders the redeeming character of a covenant God – faithful in all He does! The chapter heading in my Bible reads this way, “Israel’s Only Savior.” In fact, Isaiah goes to great lengths by God’s Spirit to communicate this singular truth from the Redeemer to the Redeemed. And, this verse captures it well,
“I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” Isa 43:11
Whatever comes before and after this verse is succinctly stated for us here – without equivocation and without apology. God, this God – Yahweh, is Israel’s only hope; for this life and the next. Let’s look just a little closer.
3/8/13
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March 8, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“A Proverb from Isaiah”
As we continued the prophetic rollercoaster ride through Isaiah this week something caught my eye – not that that would be hard to do. This week’s chapters are representative of the overall message of Isaiah’s pronouncements: repent, return, rest, and rejoice. Though, admittedly, a somewhat simplistic analysis; it works for our purposes today.
So, it was while riding on one those peaks in Isaiah 32 that I found what appeared, at least to me, to be a prophetical proverb – it’s here in verse 8:
“But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.”
This wise saying comes as a conclusion to a section that begins with a king reigning in righteousness in contrast to evil behavior of the fool and the scoundrel. In the midst of all that is happening in Isaiah I thought is would be good for all of us to spend a brief time considering what it is to be “noble.” But we may to stretch a bit beyond our usual understanding of this term and its use. Let me give another translation that may help:
3/1/13
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March 1, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Let’s SING!”
It is impossible to recount the history of God’s people and not include the role of song – impossible! From beginning to end, the Bible records virtually countless occasions when God’s people respond to Him in song. Scripted or spontaneous, the ransomed and redeemed rejoice!
During last week’s reading we once again traveled through pages of both condemnation and comfort. But, in Isaiah 26 we hear the lyrics of heavens from the lips of Isaiah to the ears of God’s children; their God will deliver and delight. Listen to this brief section:
“On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain He will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove His people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.” Isa. 26:6-8
2/22/13
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February 22, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“What Are You Looking To?”
If you read along in Isaiah this week – today’s selection may have caught you a little off guard. After chapters of predictions, proclamations, and pronouncements against the “foreigner,” God has a word for Jerusalem. In a casual reading this chapter just seems out of place. After all, isn’t Jerusalem the victim here?! Well, in a word – “No.” Jerusalem is not without guilt - there is more than a thread-thickness connection to these other nations. In fact, the word “ally’ would be a better description in some cases. But still – Jerusalem? The City of David?
Isaiah cannot be comforted:
“What troubles you now, that you have all gone up on the roofs, O town full of commotion, O city of tumult and revelry? Your slain were not killed by the sword, nor did they die in battle. All your leaders have fled together; they have been captured without using the bow. All you who were caught were taken prisoner together, having fled while the enemy was still far away. Therefore I said, ‘Turn away from me; let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people.’” Isaiah 22:1-4
2/15/13
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February 15, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
9/11
It was a great morning for a ride! Not a long ride, just my usual “morning maintenance” ride. I saved the long stuff for Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. I left before Nedra and our teen children had taken off for school; such was my morning routine. Down the neighborhood streets, across RT 31, several miles on the bike trail along the Fox River and then back up the hill through the neighborhood streets of Elgin. As I made my final turn onto Lennoxshire I was rehearsing in my mind the things that were waiting for me at church that morning. As I look quickly ahead something wasn’t quite right – there appeared to be a commotion. Out on their steps, the neighbors greeted me as I rode by their home. It was hard to understand what the wife was saying through the tears and stammering. But the words that did come through were loud and clear, “Oh neighbor, it’s awful, we’ve been attacked – it’s horrible!” Such was my introduction to 9/11. Like most of you, I went immediately to the news to witness firsthand the unthinkable. I sat in disbelief and then called the church and school to see if they were aware of the attacks on the World Trade Centers. It is a morning filled with memories of horror and tragedy; including my own feelings of utmost outrage and anger. For so many it was a morning of helplessness and hopelessness.
2/8/13
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February 8, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Welcome to Isaiah!”
After just one line of introductory explanation for Isaiah’s vision this is what we read:
Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.
(Isa. 1:2-4)
Any confusion here? I doubt it! And I’m sure this was equally clear to a wayward nation. We have reached that period of time in the history of Yahweh’s people where the sands of patience have emptied. The God of universe has seen and heard enough. A forsaken God will, at least in part, forsake His people.
Isaiah is a tough book to read. It’s the first book in what we come to know as the Major Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel (okay, for those of you looking closely, yes Lamentations is included with the major prophetic books). Isaiah chronicles that point in redemptive history where the promise of blessing for obedience has been eclipsed by the coming curse for rebellion. It’s not a pretty sight to witness.
2/1/13
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February 1, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Worth Far More Than Rubies”
Okay, I’ll bite – “What is it that’s worth far more than rubies?”
I’m so glad you asked that question. The answer is – “a wife of noble character.” In a span of just 22 verses, Proverbs 31 paints with words the picture of the perfect wife. Hmmm - wonder why husbands never got a chapter? Could it be that there’s no such thing as a per….. – no, that couldn’t be it!
Actually, perfect is the wrong word to use. Instead we should use the description inscribed in verse 30 – “a woman who fears the Lord.” And, here, like a number of other places, “fear” needs a bit of explanation. This is not a woman who lives in dread of what the Lord may do to her. No, this is a woman who honors and respects the Lord and embraces the responsibilities given to her by Him in every facet of life.
As you read this final chapter in Proverbs you were vividly introduced to a woman who was far more than just an excellent homemaker. This is the kind of woman who would need more than a show on the Food Network, or HGTV. She would BE the network. The Proverbs 31 woman is truly “the Pioneer Woman.” Paula, Rachel, Giada – yeah, hang up your aprons!
1/25/13
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January 25, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Which Would You Rather Have?”
I’m going to let you in on a little secret – I’m selecting a verse from next week’s reading for today article. Shhhhhh…maybe no one will notice.
Here’s why I’m “cherry-picking” from Proverbs. There’s just no way I can depart from this wisdom book of God’s Word next week without commenting (carefully) on the godly wife of Proverbs 31 – No way! However, in doing so, I would completely miss touching on one of my all-time favorite verses - Proverbs 27:6. Hoping you don’t mind, I’m going to use the version I first used when memorizing this verse - the New American Standard Bible.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
In so many ways, we really should combine verse 6 with verse 5. As a couplet, they make an extremely strong statement, as one commentator puts it, about “frankness between friends.” (Derek Kidner)
“Better is open rebuke,
1/18/13
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January 18, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“There’s Two Sides To Every Story”
Lessons for life literally jump off the pages of Proverbs - this week’s reading certainly attests to that! Those of you “around” my age can probably remember the saying. “there’s an almond in every bite.” Well, it’s kind of like that when you’re reading through Proverbs, “there’s wisdom in every verse!” Today’s Proverb reading, chapter 18, contains one of those tasty bites of truth that will last a lifetime. Here it is in the NIV:
“The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Proverbs 18:17
Here’s a throwback to the King James Version:
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
Did you understandeth it? Finally, here’s one more entry from a newer paraphrase – The Message:
The first speech in a court case is always convincing- until the cross-examination starts!
As this last rendering hints there are nuances here of “courtroom” consequence. But, the penetrating principle cuts across every area of our lives. From broken trucks to broken hearts – there’s “usually” another side of the story. Husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister, employer and employee – it affects all of us.
1/11/13
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January 11, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Wise Words of Warning”
It’s difficult to read the early chapters of Proverbs and miss the very direct and clear warnings against adultery. They are more than an apt commentary for our day as well. An interesting insight to acknowledge here is that they come from the pen of man whose father was guilty of this very act – David, Solomon’s father. We don’t know at what age, but at some point in his life Solomon learned of David’s act – including, I’m sure, the death of a brother he would have to wait to meet until heaven. Solomon’s warning comes not only from the life of his father, but also from his own personal struggle with women during his reign as Israel’s king. The warnings are straightforward and sound. And, through it all, we hear the compassionate heart of a father speaking truth into the heart of his son.
My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. – Proverbs 6:20-24
1/4/13
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January 4, 2013
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“A Proverb a Day”
When I originally scheduled the Bible readings for 2012 I knew there was going to be a gap – I would need a few more chapters of something! So, I decided to turn to Proverbs. After all, there are 31 Proverbs and 31 days in January – a match made in heaven!
The book of Proverbs is included in that part of scripture we usually refer to as “Wisdom Literature.” In fact, most of the proverbs you’ll be reading deal with just that – Wisdom. Since much of this book is attributed to Solomon, we shouldn’t be too surprised by the sound advice and counsel we read in its pages.
You’ll find two of my favorite proverbs in this week’s reading:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
and:
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
But there’s so much more – for example:
12/21/12
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December 21, 2012
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“A Potential Book?”
I find myself saying from time to time, “these are some of the saddest words in scriptures.” At some point one of you out there will probably ask, “C’mon Bob, which is it – they can’t all be the ‘saddest’” Perhaps, it’s time to write a book! If I did, I guess there would probably have to be at least three chapters:
Chapter One: Sad Sayings
Chapter Two: Sadder Sayings
Chapter Three: Saddest Sayings
So, for today, I’ll let you decide – here are those words 2 Kings 17:18-20:
18 So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, 19 and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced. 20 Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence.
Of course, this is only the first shoe to drop, isn’t it? Judah, because of their sin, rebellion, and false worship, will, too, fall under the same divine judgment. If you’ve been following Israel’s story through 2 Kings you’ve witness the steady decline in their relationship with Yahweh. Sure, we’ve seen brief moments of religious renaissance under the leadership of a godly king or prophet – but not enough. Not enough to stop the juggernaut of God’s judgment. Have you watched a movie when you knew what was about to happen and either hit the remote, closed your eyes or even left the room? Most of us have. That’s what we’ve been experiencing throughout the historical highlights reel of Israel’s life. But now, it’s reached the tipping point. The hand from heaven is about to sweep them into exile.