Dare I Pet The Lions?

 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. Daniel 6:16-17 ESV

Daniel was set up by a group of men jealous of his position and power. Perhaps he held them to a higher standard than they were willing to live. In any case, seeking to discredit him before the king, but finding no fault with his character or work, they crafted a law that would punish Daniel for his devotion to God and prayer.  The punishment was rather gruesome, too; revealing the depth of jealousy and hatred these evil men had for Daniel.

We know by reading the whole chapter that God delivered Daniel from a violent death in the lions’ den. Daniel gives the method in verse twenty-two.

My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” Daniel 6:22 ESV

But, we also know that the lions were indeed very hungry due to the fate that eventually befell Daniel’s enemies (6:24).  So keeping a number of hungry lions disinterested in Daniel while he sat among them (all night) was quite a miracle.

The big questions for me in this circumstance might be:

·         Is this an anomaly or truly a miracle? Have I caught these lions at a time when they are not hungry, or are very lethargic? How long might this last?

·         Do the lions not see me? Or is there something I’m wearing that is making them wary?

·         Dare I move? Would movement jumpstart their predator instincts inciting them to kill me even though they do not appear to be interested in me at the moment?

·         What am I doing (unconsciously) that I need to keep doing to keep these lions away?

·         Dare I rest?

·         And, if God truly is at work, dare I pet the lions?

Though there is much we do not know about Daniel’s thoughts while in the lions’ den, I am fairly confident that he did not have these kinds of questions. Why? Because those questions reveal a serious lack of understanding about God’s methods, character, and power. Daniel did not seem to be plagued by these kinds of doubts.

When informed of the new law forbidding prayer to anyone other than king Darius, Daniel’s first act was to shrug, and pray anyway.  He immediately knew the reason for the law, that people would be watching, and that a visit to the zoo was around the corner. Daniel’s apparent lack of concern was not due to his confidence that God would rescue him, either. Recall the response of his three friends in the early years of Daniel’s exile:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 ESV

Daniel prayed after the new law went into effect, because that was his practice. It was his habit, custom, and means by which he both communicated with and honored God. Though second in the kingdom in terms of authority, Daniel was a man who sought to serve and please God first. He was known for his commitment to God (6:5, 16, 20, 26).

In addition, Daniel trusted God completely, and without reservation. His trust was not based on the hope that he would never encounter harm. Daniel’s trust was based upon the character of God and what God’s Word revealed about Him. From his familiarity with the books of Moses, the Psalms, and perhaps some of the prophets, Daniel knew that God loved His people; he knew that God provided for His people; he knew that God disciplined His people, and He also delivered them. But Daniel also knew that God was just, righteous, and sovereign—raising up some leaders and nations and casting some down, in His own time and for His own glory.

Daniel was a servant of God; yielded to God’s plans and purposes. So he went willingly to prayer before his enemies and went willingly to the lions’ den, too. Once there, Daniel was abandoned to God’s will in that moment: whether it be death, life, or any stop in-between.

So was Daniel surprised to survive his first minute in the lions’ den? I think he was. But once he gathered himself, Daniel embraced the miracle around him. Daniel knew immediately that there was nothing he was doing to keep the lions at bay. Perhaps he even saw the angel waiting there for his arrival. In any case, Daniel did not worry all night about the miracle wearing off. He didn’t consume himself with thoughts about how he could stay away from the lions. He didn’t worry about what he could do to sustain the miracle. You see, only God does miracles. And if God is doing a miracle, the work is complete without our help.

I like to think that after picking himself up off the floor of the lions’ den, Daniel praised God, introduced himself to each of the lions, petted them, and then went to sleep. You see, God is good all the time--and He is at work all the time. Even if you find yourself cast defenseless into a den full of hungry lions, God is at work; and if He is at work, you have nothing more to do than rest in Him.

Journeys and Destinations

In the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month, the cloud lifted from over the tabernacle of the testimony, and the people of Israel set out by stages from the wilderness of Sinai. And the cloud settled down in the wilderness of Paran. They set out for the first time at the command of the LORD by Moses. Numbers 10:11-13 ESV

With the Exodus behind them, the days of preparation of the Tabernacle behind them, and the organization of the people by tribe and camp accomplished, the people of Israel set out for the Promised Land. What anticipation and excitement must have filled the camp! They were leaving the desolate wilderness, finally! Soon (they believed) they would be enjoying the building of a new nation and a new land and enjoying the fruits of their labors. Life was moving again. They were not just stuck waiting for something to happen.

Moses must have been excited, too. God’s call and promise, begun months ago, was truly unfolding. 

But, not everyone expressed enthusiasm about the journey. The eleventh chapter of Numbers bears witness to a sizeable group of people who felt they were trapped in no-man’s-land. They had left Egypt and slavery, but were not yet to the “better place” promised by Moses. They began to complain about the lack of variety in food—missing their slave rations because they had meats, vegetable and fruit back then. Hard to imagine that fruit would seem more important than freedom, but their eyes had narrowed to focus on only what they were missing, not what they had gained.

In the next chapter (Numbers 12), even Miriam and Aaron began to doubt the leadership of Moses. All was not well in the camp. Their uncertainty was growing now that God’s promise was at hand.

But one has to wonder if Moses knew how long this journey would take them. Did he know they would wander in Sinai for the next forty years? Had he known that, would he have taken the job? Or, did this Promised Land even matter to him? Was the journey with God sufficient?

In other words, which was the bigger blessing: the journey with God or the destination with God? That is kind of like asking which is better: Peace and joy with Diet Coke, or Peace and Joy with Diet Dr. Pepper? Peace and Joy with water is pretty dog-gone good; would one quibble about the choice of soft drink? The gifts of Peace and Joy trump the drink options! Given Peace and Joy one might even drink Pepsi products! No big deal. The operative phrase in this whole discussion is “Peace and Joy.” 

Likewise, the operative phrase for Moses and the Israelites was “with God.” The Israelites already had their treasure with them! The God of the Exodus, the God of the Red Sea, the God who was daily providing all of their needs!

Whether or not that was sufficient or not depended not on reality, but on perspective. 

The complainers were all caught up in the “journey/destination” debate, and many were not “journey” people. They hated the wilderness; they hated manna; they hated tents, they hated hiking with all their stuff; they hated the uncertainty of where Moses (actually God) was leading them.  For them, the phrase “with God” was absent. They were debating journey and destination as concrete, tangible, discreet subjects. They were debating the harsh realities in front of them versus the dream of something better. “Journey” (alone) never wins that battle. 

Most of the Israelites missed the point. How about us? Which is more encouraging for us: the journey with God or the destination with God? What is the next thing we are waiting for? What is that new land for which we hope? Does the promise become bigger than the giver of the promise? Do we become dissatisfied with the tedium of the present because we are too busy longing for that future event or experience or destination? God is at hand! Now. Here.

It is worthy to note that if we have trouble being content “with God” here and now, we will likely be just as dissatisfied later when we arrive wherever we are longing to arrive.

The Great News? Eternity begins today! Our abundant living (Psalm 1:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7-9; John 10:10) “with God” can begin anytime and in any place—even in our wilderness! May God bless and encourage you as you seek Him where you are.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

In the Meantime

Perhaps like me you have prayed earnestly over a matter and nothing happened. Worse, perhaps the very thing you prayed against did happen. Those are humbling and bewildering times. As a chaplain I spent a lot of time at the bedside praying for healing; I joined with others in praying for friends and family, too. Sometimes people were healed and sometimes they were not--at least not physically. 

Admittedly, my praying is not fully mature, but my faith in God's providence is sure. The strength of my prayer or your prayer is not the question, rather is the God to whom we are praying willing and able to heal? Is He willing to provide for our needs? The answer to both questions is an emphatic "yes!" Consider for a moment how willing you are to help your children when they poorly articulate a need. So stands God ready and willing to come to our aid. But, He desires to give those gifts that are often beyond our imagination (Ephesians 3:20).

For instance, you may determine that you need something and begin to desperately pray for that thing. On the other hand, God, in heaven, full of mercy, grace, and wisdom, sees only heartache in your request. Or perhaps, like Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9), He has given you some thing or circumstance that is unpleasant in order that you might avail of His grace and power to overcome it. You pray for escape, but God sees much benefit in the struggle.

Our prayer life often follows this timeline: 1) we discover a need, 2) begin to pray about the need, and then 3) wait for God's answer. I would commend to you that the time between our discovery and God's answer is   "the meantime."

"In the meantime" is a phrase that connotes waiting and turning our attention to other things. For example, "I have lots of work to do on the computer, but the internet is down; so, in the meantime I will vacuum the house." As you can see from that example, often the "plan B" we choose to do "in the meantime" is not as appealing as our first plan.

The meantime in prayer is likewise unsettling. We are earnest about something; we have urgency in our prayers because often there is urgency in our needs. So when we pray and God does not respond with the same urgency it is perplexing and uncomfortable, and sometimes discouraging. I would suggest to you that the "meantime" is God's weight room for building strength in our faith and prayer.

One of the worst things we can do is evaluate God and His performance based solely upon our experience with Him. Perhaps we begin to think, "Prayer is really a gamble, I have no idea if God is going to help or not." A review of more stable sources (like God's Word) would reveal that God is a loving "keeper" (Psalm 121); He abounds in steadfast love (Psalm 145); He delights in delivering His people (Psalm 50); God is a shield, our glory and the "lifter of our heads" (Psalm 3); He is a God of the impossible (Romans 4); He is our hiding place, preserving us from trouble (Psalm 32); God helps us maneuver in the tough climbs of life (Habakkuk 3); He is our rock and fortress (Psalm 18); and stands beside those in need (Psalm 109). Well, you get the point, there are thousands of verses that speak of God's love and provision; there are thousands of witnesses to God's deliverance. It is better to evaluate God based upon those testimonies than our limited experience.

So, when we investigate God's Word about His love, care, and provision, we see a more accurate picture of who He is and how He works. Praise the Lord! We serve an amazing God!

Now bear with me as this is a work in progress and the mood of this statement is brighter than it sounds, but I have come to believe this statement,

God is a God of love, care, and provision. He may not always provide what I am praying for, but because God is trustworthy and steadfast in His love, I can rest securely in Him. My faith does not rest on His deliverance but upon His character; not on my experience, but on His Word! In the meantime, God will take care of me; and He will give meaning, hope, anticipation, encouragement, and even joy as I follow Him!

As one radio pastor recently put it, our minds are like tea cups and God's mind is bigger than all of our oceans. Consequently, there will be times when we do not understand what God is doing. But, since I know His love and grace are equally unlimited I will trust Him! That is what I will do in the meantime. It is the best thing I can do.

I pray God's encouragement for you as you wait (too)!

Biblical Decision-Making

January is already flying by!

Perhaps we finished the year 2012 triumphantly, or wearily, or in full disrepair—and maybe we feel all of those things! With a new year upon us, now may be the best time to assess our strengths and weaknesses. What did we do well in 2012, and in what areas did we struggle?

For example, did you make good decisions this past year? Did you have trouble making decisions? Do you still have big decisions before you and are feeling overwhelmed and perplexed? Let me offer some brief and borrowed wisdom on the subject.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5, 6 ESV

 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV

First we must understand that God wants us to know what we need to know. God may not reveal the action plan for every day of the rest of our life, but He does want us to know our next step. This presupposes, of course, that you and I want to learn what God wants us to do—AND we are willing to obey Him. So, if God has brought you to the point where you are ready and willing to be obedient to Him, here is a simple guide for biblical decision-making.

Step One: Regarding the decision, are there any Scriptures that directly relate to the subject matter? Are there passages in the Bible that expressly affirm or forbid some of your options? For example, perhaps you are wondering if you should take a job that (unfortunately) will cause you to miss Church most of the time. The following verses probably apply--

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

The passage in Hebrews (among others) advises us that we should not neglect going to church. A decision that interferes with our spiritual growth or witness is usually the wrong decision.

Or say you have a brilliant friend who proposes a business opportunity to you. Because of your friendship and common interests you wonder if you should pursue this very attractive opportunity. Though very moral and full of integrity, your friend rarely attends church and has little interest in doing so. Further,  though she considers herself a “Christian” she uses the term in a cultural sense, not a personal one —in other words, she is not Jewish, or Muslim, or Hindu, or a Whirling Dervish. Should you become partners in a business together?

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 ESV

The Scriptures (obviously) do not forbid knowing, befriending, helping, and/or serving unbelievers, but simply warns about the types of close associations and relationships where clashes of values and philosophy will come into play. No matter how positive you may feel about a non-Christian friend or associate, your allegiances and perspectives are quite different and will be a source of contention. Further, your identity (to others) can be colored and damaged by the actions and attitudes of your partner.

Step Two: If there are no direct Scripture references affirming or forbidding something, are there spiritual principles (themes) that give guidance? For example, suppose your decision regards buying a new car or motorcycle. Unfortunately, there are no Bible verses that give explicit guidance on this subject,  but there may be biblical principles that might help:

·         Stewardship Principles (Prov 3:9, 10; 27:23-27; Mal 3:10; Rom 14:12; 1 Tim 5:8, 16-18; Gal 6:6-10)

·         Responsibility Principles  (1 Cor 6:12, 20; 10:23,24; 2 Cor 5:9)

·         Appearance and Example Principles (1 Thess 5:22; Titus 2:7, 8)

There are many themes within the Scriptures that can guide a host of decisions. To be of any benefit to us, however, we need to become very familiar with God’s Word to learn what those themes are and where they are located.

Step Three: Important and appropriate decisions can always benefit from the counsel of others-- if (indeed) you seek good and wise counsel, and not just seek the opinions of those who agree with you.  Regarding the decision, when you cannot think of any Scriptures or scriptural principles that affirm or warn against your decision, seeking advice from wise counselors is the next step. Because of their experience, study, or background they may be able to more objectively analyze your decision and offer practical considerations as well as Scriptures that you may have overlooked. For example, in the car or motorcycle decision, they may ask why you feel the need (now) to buy one. They may ask if you compared the value of repairing your old car to the cost of getting a new one. Regarding the motorcycle, they may say, “Are you crazy?” You know, helpful things like that . . . Seriously, though, they may be able to ask things like, “Are you worried your current vehicle will break down? Is that an impending reality or just a fear? If fear, should that be a driving motivation to act?” They may direct you to the principles of trust and prayer in Proverbs 3:5,6 or Philippians 4:6-8. If there is an underlying element of envy or status-building, they may remind you of Matthew 6. They also might ask, “Do you believe God would have you go into debt to buy a car right now?”   

Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. Psalm 119:24 ESV

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs  11:14  ESV

For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 24:6   ESV

Step Four: Consider the following questions.

·         Which decision or course of action best honors your family, friends, or church?

·         Which course seems to best agree with your calling, gifts, and interests?

Calvin Miller once shared that he had long dreamed of owning a new Corvette. As a pastor and church planter it was a far-fetched dream—until he began selling books. After much soul-searching and good stewardship the day came when he was going to buy “the car.” A staff member and friend reminded Dr. Miller that their church was currently in a building program, “How will it look to our parishioners if you are asking them to give sacrificially and then you buy an expensive car?” Pastor Miller answered, “But I’ve given sacrificially, too. This is just some of book money I have been setting aside.” His friend nodded, “I know, but how will it look to others?” Though buying a nice car was certainly appropriate and above reproach in this case, Calvin Miller didn’t buy the Corvette due to his concerns that some might misunderstand and be offended. Miller, instead, bought the very antithesis of a Corvette—the Mustang II. Ouch!

Lest you cry that Miller was dealt a great injustice, bear in mind that it was his decision to buy that abominable little Ford and he did so because he valued his ministry and the people in his care more than any blasted car.

Step Five: If there are no warnings or directives from Scripture, no scriptural principles are violated, and wise counsel tells you that either choice or course of action is honorable;  and if either decision honors your family, friends, and church; and if either choice agrees well with your calling, gifts, and interests, THEN ask yourself, “What is my preference?”

Suppose IBM offered you a big promotion and raise and gave you two options for relocation. You could move to Fairbanks, Alaska or St. Petersburg, Florida. After visiting both locations, you note that both have great churches, schools, shopping centers, and nice homes in your price range. Your extended family is very supportive of both places as are your counselors and friends. Your spouse and children see positives either way. The differences, other than location, are actually very small between the two choices. Though you grew up in Georgia, you have always been a fan of Jack London . . .

There is no wrong answer in this hypothetical decision because it just boils down to personal preferences. God will be pleased with either choice. So, you may have to build a pro and con list and / or then just go with the option that has the most appeal. I know which one I would choose!

It is important to note that our “preferences” are not insignificant (in God's eyes); they do matter. The wise decision-maker, however knows when to subject them to more important considerations. Using some type of framework like this can make decision-making a more thoughtful, prayerful, and deliberative process. Good luck and Godspeed in 2013!

Lifting Our Eyes

To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Psalm 123:1 ESV

At the close of his third missionary journey, the Apostle Paul had been warned by numerous brothers and sisters through the Holy Spirit about the troubles awaiting him in Jerusalem. Still, he felt led and compelled to go. Within days of arriving, Paul was beaten and thrown in a local jail, soon thereafter he was spirited away by night (to avoid a plan by certain Jews to kill him) to Caesarea where he spent the next two years in prison. He appealed to Caesar which catapulted him on an arduous and imperiled journey to Rome and more jail time.  Just in Caesarea and Rome alone, most scholars presume Paul spent four to six years in prison (or house-arrest) before being beheaded by Emperor Nero.

Paul is considered to be one of the greatest apostles of the Church; he is certainly one of the heroes of the faith. God used him mightily in planting churches all over the known world. It is surprising, perhaps, that a sovereign God would choose to set such a man aside at the peak of his ministry. Ever the purposeful optimist, however, Paul used his time in prison or under guard very well, encouraging the churches through epistles and emissaries.

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:12-14 ESV

Paul did not feel “set aside” and did not believe the Kingdom suffered because of his imprisonment; he probably expected incarceration was always a possibility at every stop. Further, it was Paul’s firm belief that imprisonment was not a glitch or hiccup in God’s plan, but part of God’s plan.  A modern example may be found in the story of Richard Wurmbrand, the Romanian Christian pastor, author of Tortured for Christ, and founder of The Voice of the Martyrs. For him, prison was just a different location for ministry. He recounts that while in prison he and another Christian brother used the chains on their wrists as tambourines to sing “This is the day that the Lord has made.”  

Both of these examples demonstrate an ability to live unmoved by or above one’s circumstances. Apparently one can celebrate the Lord’s Day in or out of prison. In the minds of such saints, God chooses the setting, and they choose to praise and worship Him.

There must be something Paul, Wurmbrand, and countless other imprisoned believers learned that allowed them to see the positives in their circumstances. What could possibly be positive about such an experience? Well think of this, in Paul's case:

·         He was able to brush up on his Latin;

·         He learned the basis for his “full armor of God” study;

·         The food in Italy was better;

·         He got to witness to and mentor some swell guys; and

·         Uh, um, hmm . . .

Actually, positive thinking runs out of gas after awhile. Positive thinking only goes so far because it is still limited to one’s perspective—what you or I can see or sense. The positive thinker is still rooted in his or her circumstances (he or she is just choosing to see the best part of them). Paul and pastor Wurmbrand learned that faith and contentment must (instead) be rooted in faith in God.  Regardless of circumstances, men and women of faith must put their confidence in

·         The Word of God,

·         The character of God,

·         The provision of God, and

·         Their experience with God  

Faith’s most necessary perspective requires that we move our eyes from our circumstances (completely) and move them to God (completely). No peaking at the waves!

There will be times when the believer will encounter life storms bringing chaos and pain that threaten to destroy them. There will also be times when faithful Christians encounter persecution. Believers will also experience time “in the desert” where they are taken out of productive ministry, seemingly just waiting for something to happen. These are distressing, discouraging, and frightening events that can dominate one’s prayers and thoughts. These threats are ever before you and I, and sometimes they are right before our eyes.

Mental note-- we were never commissioned to live by our sight anyway.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 ESV

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV

If you have to look at something, look up!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

And, don’t forget faith is not a human enterprise; living by faith has to be powered by God’s grace.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV

So, if you find yourself in peril or feeling set aside, hang in there. God is still at work (He really is)!

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV

What's In A Name?

What’s in a name? My wife and I confronted this ancient question when our children were born.  Do we name them after relatives? Do we pick names from the Bible? Do we name them after persons we admire? Do we look for interesting names we haven’t heard before? Dare we leave it to chance and just peer into their newborn faces to see what names might fit?

Though most take pains to choose just the right name for their children, names are really a shot in the dark. We might be named after someone we will never, ever resemble in either looks or deeds. Or that interesting name we were given suddenly becomes the next trendy name and forty percent of our classmates bear the same handle. Our names are no guarantee of anything really—and perhaps lend little influence to our course in life.

Next to one’s name, however, people are often “known” by their vocations, associations, and reputations (pardon the rap). Certainly what we do says something about us; perhaps more revealing is the company we keep— whether it is other people, or organizations with which we choose to lend ourselves. Reputations are derived from a variety of factors, but like our associations they reveal our character—who we are. How wonderful to have a good reputation. How outstanding to be the poster child for a particular virtue; to be the next “Honest Abe,” for instance.

In the second book of the Chronicles, there, among a list of generals, is a particularly amazing and unexpected statement that leaps off the page. The writer was prompted by the Holy Spirit to lend a particular descriptor to one of the commanders under King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

This was the muster of them by fathers' houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor; and next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000; and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, a volunteer for the service of the LORD, with 200,000 mighty men of valor. Of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men armed with bow and shield; and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war. These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:14-19 ESV

How wonderful when a name and vocation are so easily forgotten because they are placed beside a reputation that outshines them both! And what a wonderful reputation to have! Notice his contemporaries were described as “commander,” or” mighty man of valor,” but Amasiah is remembered because he performed his role as a volunteer for the Lord. Amasiah didn’t work for money, and he didn’t work for the king; rather he voluntarily gave his service to the Lord! He was at the Lord’s command, and he did so without worrying about remuneration.

Little is known about Amasiah beyond this reference. Finances are a small part of this consideration, however. Most of us find that our time is extremely valuable. We may also value our health. Most of us certainly value our comfort. Amasiah, who may have valued these same things, nonetheless, freely chose the to place himself at God’s disposal. Reading in the white spaces, one might surmise that Amasiah was ever

·         Thankful—for what God had done and was doing in his life;

·         Listening— to hear what God wanted him to do;

·         Flexible—to adjust his plans to accommodate God’s plans;

·         Generous—to freely give up his time and resources;

·         Content—to let God control his future;

·         Compassionate—to care about needs other than his own;

·         Obedient—to do and not merely to think about God’s will.         

Perhaps part of the secret is in his name: Amasiah means “Jehovah bears.” The notion that “God bears or carries” means (foremost) that we don’t bear or carry. God is in charge! God is all powerful! God has the answers! God can perform miracles! God knows best! God cares for and bears the burdens of the volunteer! . . . See the shift in perspective? When one is convinced of these things, there comes a freedom to lay aside all efforts to preserve and advance oneself.  . . . Suddenly one is free to serve (and worship).

How do we get there? How do we get to the point where we see more of God and less of ourselves? How do we get to the point where we let go of our own agendas and gladly choose God's? I'm convinced it comes naturally as we grow in gratitude. 

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

to one who orders his way rightly

I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:23 ESV

So the sixty-four dollar question is “What will we be known for?” 

The Good Eggs

Have you ever wondered if Peter was any good at fishing? How about James and John? Was Matthew an excellent tax collector? How about Luke? Was he one of the finest physicians of his day? In other words, did Jesus choose the twelve because of some success they had achieved or successful tendency they possessed? Did He see the twelve as young men who were “going places” even though they were currently a little on the rough side?

If we were in a court room, a sharp defense attorney might ask the court about the relevance of the question. Like any good prosecutor I might respond, “The question deals with motive, your honor.” Specifically, the motive behind the choices Jesus made regarding the foundation of the future Church.

The account in the fifth chapter of Luke is interesting. Simon and his partners were washing nets after a long, frustrating, and futile night of fishing. Jesus suggested they should try again, and, against their better judgment, attempt to catch some fish

• ·         In the wrong spot
• ·         At the wrong time of day

Peter and his partners were tired, perhaps irritated, and maybe they were just humoring Jesus’ odd request; they may not have used all their nets, or dropped them in the correct manner. In other words, their effort may have been a little half-hearted. Look at Peter’s words:

And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 ESV

Then a miracle happened. The ninth and tenth verses reveal that these seasoned fishermen “were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken . . .” Listening to Jesus, and obeying Him made the difference; not the boat, the nets, the experience of the fishermen. Hmm.

As Jesus walked the shores of that huge lake, and as He walked the streets of the cities and villages of Israel He collected an odd assortment of followers—from all walks of life. Depending upon the time and place, this group of followers numbered in the hundreds to several thousand. But from among these followers He chose just twelve.

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus didn’t pick the disciples based upon the shine of their halos. In reality, a close reading of the Gospels reveals that these were ordinary men—ordinary in the sense of "quite unremarkable." Others recognized their unremarkable qualities, too.

Now when they [rulers, scribes, and elders] saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 ESV

I would commend to you that achievements outside the kingdom are pretty worthless inside the kingdom. At least that is the impression that the Apostle Paul gives us:

--though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:4-11 ESV

It is not that Jesus could not attract “better people.” There were wealthy men and women who were interested; there were scholars who were interested. There were a few scribes, lawyers, Pharisees and Sadducees who were truly looking for a Messiah. With a little forbearance and encouragement, a little deference to their position, or a little special treatment Jesus might have won these people over. But (amazingly) He didn’t even try.

Jesus preferred to work with those considered weak or ignorant by the world’s standards. Imagine choosing a team for your weekly sandlot baseball game and purposely choosing the worst players available. In his letter to the Corinthian church Paul explains--

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 ESV

Remember the high school physics experiment in which students are asked to design and build a container that will protect an egg when dropped from the roof of their school? Why do they use eggs instead of ball bearings or rocks? Simply, the latter do not need any protection. By contrast, an egg is incredibly fragile and best demonstrates the effectiveness of the packaging. The weaker, more fragile passenger assures that the experiment will measure the strength of the packaging and not the strength of the passenger. Hmm. The egg gives greater glory to the package than the rock.

The world is full of “self-made” men and women who boast of their accomplishments. Even Frank Sinatra crooned “I did it my way . . .” Raving successes on earth are dim lamps compared to the glory of God, but even their dim light is misleading. American Christianity must guard itself against the leaven of worldly achievements and excellence. Worldly excellence does not glorify God, rather humility, contrition, and brokenness do.

The insult uttered by the religious elite about Peter and John-- uneducated, common men—was their badge of honor! Because it meant Peter and John’s words, boldness, and wisdom could only have come from one place: And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

So, [drum roll, please] if it has been awhile since you made your first million, or (worse) if you haven’t even done it yet, there’s Good News! You may be perfect for the kingdom!