 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 What did you notice when you read the text of Ephesians 6:1-4? The command to children: “honor your father and mother” and the command to parents: “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” probably stood out. But what about the command to parents that Paul gives before he says “bring them up”? He gives a negative command even before the positive command. But the negative part of this verse is sometimes overlooked. It is easy for us to see the “specks” in our children’s eyes when we are training them, but we may miss the “beams” in our own eyes (Matthew 7:3-5). As we examine our “beams” through the lens of Scripture, we can begin to understand how we may unintentionally provoke our children to anger. Our lack of discipline, our words, our quick reactions, and our busy schedules may be hindering our efforts to bring up our children in the Lord. Proverbs 22:15 explains that discipline helps a child see the foolishness of his actions. Consequences and instruction are a crucial part of bringing up our children in the Lord. So as we consider what it means to provoke our children to anger, it’s important to clarify that this doesn’t mean that we should never deny our children something they want or avoid doing something they won’t like. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29-32, our words should be gracious and kind. We should strive to speak encouraging and uplifting words whenever possible. Do we only quote Scripture when our children have been disobedient or disrespectful? And when we reprimand them, do we also demonstrate forgiveness when they have shown a desire to change? Frequent reminders of the gospel, grace, and forgiveness are crucial aspects of parenting — for ourselves and for our children! In addition to careful consideration of our words, it is also helpful to understand when it would be better to refrain from speaking. Proverbs 18:13 says “If a man gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Pausing, listening carefully, and even taking time to pray before we speak can prevent misunderstanding. Resisting the urge to instantly provide an answer shows patience and humility and reflects God’s character to our children. Our words are important, but God’s words are even more important. In Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Moses tells the Israelites that they are to have God’s words in their heart and then they need to repeat them to their children throughout their daily routines. Learning about Scripture at church isn’t enough. If we neglect to talk about his Word on a daily basis, our children will have trouble understanding that Scripture is applicable to all aspects of our lives. Taking advantage of teaching moments during the course of the day is one way to provide consistent training in the Lord. Using windows of opportunity throughout the day is one way to incorporate God’s word into the rhythms of our lives. But it is also worthwhile to examine our schedules throughout the week. Do we set aside large chunks of time just to rest together as a family at home? Or are our schedules so full that we are rushing from one event to another? All our activities — sports, church ministry, clubs, music lessons — may be enjoyable and good. But when they crowd out the priorities of time with God and family, they become distractions from what is most important. These are some of the ways we may drift into habits that can provoke our children to anger. I am reminded of all the ways that we fell short in our parenting. We reacted in anger when we should have paused and prayed. We had seasons of busyness when dinner together at the table was a rare occasion. Sometimes I failed to see all the ways our kids were changing and growing more like Christ — and only focused on what they could do better. But we also know that neither our parenting nor our children’s salvation and growth in Christlikeness is dependent on our efforts. Jesus is the only perfect son — he lived a sinless life. Then he willingly suffered the punishment that we deserve. Jesus conquered sin and death once for all and was raised. It is in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that we have hope for our children and ourselves. The cross reminds us that we can turn to God in repentance when we realize we have done something to provoke our children to anger. And then we can turn to our children to ask for their forgiveness. We can demonstrate humility when we fail and show forgiveness and grace when our children fail. We are responsible to parent faithfully while relying on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. But in the end, what our children need most is not perfect parents, but a perfect Savior.
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 New Year. New resolutions. New Bible reading plan. But wait, why are we talking about New Year’s resolutions in March? Because I suspect that, for many of us, our reading plan fizzled out somewhere around February 21. Or the lists of unclean animals in Leviticus.
We all know it’s important to read Scripture regularly. So we choose a Bible reading plan and then life happens. We forget a few days and then spend extra time rushing through to catch up. Fatigue and stress hinder our efforts -- so we skim quickly, check the box, and move on with our day. We don’t feel encouraged or inspired; we wonder if it’s worth the time. Sigh. I’ve been there. My bookmark has stalled in Leviticus many times! So how do we make good on our reading resolutions? How do we read all of Scripture -- yes, even Leviticus -- regularly, thoughtfully, and productively? Maybe we need to change our perspective! We typically see Bible reading as a plan to be executed with checkboxes to mark. Instead of thinking of it as another part of our “to do” list, let’s approach Bible reading as an adventure. This adventure is a life-changing experience! As Proverbs 2:4-5 says, “If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” Here are some ways to embark on your treasure-seeking, Bible reading adventure. Chart your treasure map. It’s great to have a goal, but expecting to finish the Bible in a year may not be realistic. If you’ve chosen a year-long plan, ignore the dates. When you miss a day, just start where you left off. Don’t try to catch up on one, two, or twelve, days all at once. If it takes 615 days instead of 365 -- you’ve still read the entire Bible. That’s reason for celebration! Adjust your compass. As long as you are ignoring the dates, rather than working through the reading plan each day, make a goal of reading 4-5 times a week. Then use the other days to spend time reading for your small group study, looking back at the sermon notes from the last week, or doing a deeper dive on a topic or passage. Widen your treasure field. Since you won’t be following the plan every day, consider reading the Bible like you would another piece of literature. Read 5-10 chapters at once. You will start to see the repeated ideas and get a better feel for the human author’s style and tone. Return to the treasure. Another way to notice themes and tone from a specific book of the Bible is to read that book repeatedly over a short period of time. Instead of quickly moving on to the next book, read it again. And maybe a third time. This is the first step in doing an in-depth study of the book! Survey your treasure. After you read, write a one sentence summary of each chapter. If you use a journaling Bible, write it at the top of the page. Or start a notebook just for chapter summaries. This is a great tool to help you remember what you read. When you start reading the next day, go back and read the summaries from the previous chapters. It will remind you of the context of what you are about to read. Chapter summaries are also a great way to create an outline of the book if you are going to do a deeper study of the book. Seek help from the treasure’s Master. Ready your heart to learn from the Word by asking for help from the Author! Matt Smethhurst encourages us to read humbly, joyfully, desperately, studiously, obediently, expectantly, communally, and Christocentrically. In his book, Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Postures for Approaching God’s Word, he explains how these heart attitudes can reenergize our Bible reading adventure. Celebrate the quest. Treasure-seeking can be exciting, but it can also be hard work. You may get lost; you may not find nuggets of wisdom. Your adventure doesn’t always end in feeling encouraged or inspired. That’s okay! Your feelings are not the indication of the effectiveness of the Word. Regardless of the immediate outcome, you can be assured that God is working in your life through his Word. Spend some time thanking Him for Scripture and how His Word will bear fruit in the days and years to come. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11  For a long time, I assumed that meditation was unbiblical — rooted in paganism or mysticism, and to be avoided. Through a sermon series on Psalm 119, our pastor taught us that meditation helps us grow more like Christ. I realized that meditation is not something to fear — as long as it is rooted in Scripture and God-honoring truth.
In the first part of this series, we saw biblical meditation focuses on his Word, his works, and his character. It is a delight that prayerfully engages our minds and emotions to transform our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. Regrettably, some Christian resources may encourage models of meditation that seem biblical because they use Scripture or familiar Christian language. However, these models often draw from unbiblical traditions and repackage them to appear biblical. In part 2 of the series, we will see how some practices stray from faithful biblical meditation. Straying from God’s Word Some Christian resources encourage repeating phrases from Scripture, often paired with breathing techniques to produce relaxation and spiritual insight. For example, an author might suggest we could use Philippians 4:13 and say over and over: “I can do all things”. Focusing only on these few words leaves out the rest of the verse (and its crucial context) and uses Scripture as a magical mantra to help us feel calm. Biblical meditation will consider the context and original intent of the passage. This doesn’t mean that we must always do thorough Bible study, but taking a few minutes to read surrounding verses helps us frame faithful meditation. Another common practice involves overspiritualizing Scripture or taking Scripture too literally. For example, the Psalms use figurative language to describe God as our shield and rock. So we may be instructed to focus on that imagery if we are feeling fearful or anxious. Images like these were meant to help us understand who God is, not replace thoughts of him with mental pictures of specific objects. Or we may be instructed to use David’s victory over Goliath as a means to guide us in meditation on how we can “slay our giants”. These are subtle shifts that move us away from meditation rooted in the God-breathed purpose for the passage. Meditation may be described as a means of seeking new revelation or insights outside of Scripture. This method appeals to our desire to learn from God’s word — but in reality it leads us away from the truth of Scripture to trusting our own impressions. Sometimes proponents of this method will even instruct us to “empty” our minds so this can happen. In contrast, faithful meditation involves filling our minds with God’s truth and working to understand Scripture. The Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Searching for “new” ideas implies that Scripture is not sufficient. Forgetting God’s works As we seek to use discernment, we will notice practices that overshadow God’s works. We can easily think that a meditative method will guarantee self-healing or provide escape from difficult circumstances. They may encourage specific techniques to achieve our goal. For example, unbiblical methods may suggest visualizing a bright place, imagining that we are rising above our surroundings, or doing specific breathing techniques. These practices pull us away from dependence on God and Scripture. Instead, we begin to trust in our ability to follow specific steps or creatively escape reality. It is not our words or postures that give us peace. It is Christ’s work on the cross that has brought us peace and reconciliation with God. When Job wrestled with suffering, God reminded him of His mighty works (Job 38–41). In the same way, we can meditate on God’s deeds—His creation and providence—reminding ourselves to trust Him. Meditating on God’s faithfulness in the past will comfort us because we know that he still works for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). Distorting God’s Character Many of the same practices that undermine God’s word and works also diminish his character. They emphasize achieving inner enlightenment rather than trusting in God’s holiness, power, and wisdom. These techniques make us think we are in control by using special words or techniques. For example, a meditation method may prompt us to “tap into the divine within”. This views God as an energy or an impersonal force that can be accessed through the right mindset. These approaches shift our view of God from sovereign Lord to a piece in our spiritual “toolbox” —something we use rather than someone we worship and obey. We worship and obey the holy, triune God; he is not a power to be manipulated. Some practices might suggest repeating positive proclamations — such as “I am divine” or “I am open to healing.” While these may seem comforting and affirming, they distort God’s character by placing ultimate authority and power within ourselves. Rather than humbling us before a holy and sovereign God, they elevate the self and minimize our need for God’s grace and wisdom. Biblical meditation based on God’s word reminds us that God is the reason we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). These are examples of some ways that meditation may drift from focusing on God’s word, his work, and his character. Now let’s consider an example of what faithful biblical meditation may look like. As we read Mark 9, we notice that Jesus was compassionate and caring. He saw people in need of a Shepherd — this moved him to teach them and provide for them. This can remind us of how we have fallen short of following Christ’s example. We can humbly ask God give us compassion for the people around us and help us find specific ways to care for them. Biblical meditation isn’t a mystical process that focuses only on our feelings and leads us to a higher spiritual plane. Faithful engagement with Scripture changes us to be more like Christ. We turn to him in prayer and use the truths in his Word to know, love, and follow him. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14  Meditation is everywhere right now—apps, playlists, breathing techniques, and guided practices promise peace, clarity, and rest. Yet many Christians are wary of meditative practices. Is meditation biblical, or is it something we should avoid? Scripture not only answers that question, it describes meditation that is God-centered. Rather than emptying the mind, biblical meditation fills it—with truth, with worship, and with hope.
How do we meditate in a way that is honoring and pleasing to God? As with all other aspects of faithful living, we need to look to God’s word to guide the way. The Bible shows us why we should meditate, what we should meditate on, when to meditate, and how to meditate. What do we meditate on? Multiple times in Psalm 119, we learn that we should meditate on God’s word. Psalm 77:12 and Psalm 143:5 tell us to meditate on his works and all he has done. We are also to meditate on God and his character, as we see in Psalm 145:5: “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate”. In the New Testament, Paul gives us list of things we can think on — whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Each of these attributes can be used to describe God’s word, his works, and his character. As we are thinking about these things, we are doing faithful meditation. The next time you see a beautiful sunset, you can use that to remind you of who God is. When you read a verse that praises God, pause and reread, and take a moment to worship him. Why do we meditate? Psalm 1:1-2 tells us the one who delights in the law of Yahweh is the one who meditates on it. We should meditate because it is our joy to do so. Psalm 119:97-99 reminds us that meditating on God’s testimonies makes us wise and gives us understanding. This isn’t mere intellectual knowledge, rather wisdom is knowledge applied to godly living. When Joshua had stepped in as Israel’s new leader before they entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded him to meditate on the law so that he would be careful to obey it (Joshua 1:8). Reading the Bible should be more than just another item to complete on our to-do list. Taking the time to pause, ponder, and consider what we read should be a joy and a delight. When do we meditate? Joshua was commanded to meditate on the law day and night (Joshua 1:8). The psalmist says he meditates all the day (Psalm 119:97) and in the watches of the night (Psalm 63:6). In Psalm 77 we see that Asaph meditates when he is weak, weary, and confused. Psalm 119:23, 78 shows the psalmist meditating even when others are against him. So whether it is day or night — literally or figuratively — we can and should meditate. This does not mean that we are expected to become hermits in the desert who only read the Bible and meditate. But it does remind us that meditating can happen at all times. So when you are awake at night, feeding the baby for the third time — meditate on the Word. When you are folding another load of laundry after caring for a sick family member, think about his Word. On the commute to work — use the time to meditate! How do we meditate? The verses that we have already considered in Joshua, the Psalms, and Philippians help us form some guidelines for what meditation looks like. Meditation is in the “heart”—the inner person where our thoughts, desires, and beliefs form. It is not just an exercise of the mind, it also engages the emotions (delight, joy, crying out, struggling). Biblical meditation gives words to our emotions and the Word can move our hearts. As we repeat a verse, we can focus on different words in the verse. We can use a verse as a prayer to God and consider how to apply it to daily living. So we have broken biblical meditation down into why, what, when, and how by looking at what God’s word has to say. But what does that look (or sound) like when we are actually meditating? There isn’t a five-step formula or cute acronym to follow for faithful meditation. Each time is going to be different, depending on our circumstances, time constraints, and frame of mind. I will give a couple of examples of what meditation has looked like for me. A few months ago I was sick with a mysterious virus. So when I was lying on the couch — praying for the symptoms to go away — I would think of Bible verses to anchor myself in God’s word. One time, I meditated and prayed through Philippians 4:8. This is (roughly) how it went: Think about what is true…I am thankful that my husband can take time off work to be here with me. God’s word is true, and his mercies are new every day. What is just…it doesn’t seem just or fair that I would get sick. But I know that sickness isn’t the way things are supposed to be. And there will be no sickness in the new heavens and earth. What is lovely…the sun and sky outside are pretty, and I am thankful that God created beautiful things for us to enjoy. God promises that his peace will guard my mind. Even when my thoughts are fuzzy because of a headache, his peace guards me—a peace given through the reconciliation Christ accomplished for me on the cross. It wasn’t perfect. My thoughts were jumbled at times. I was still sick, but God’s word had kept me from sinking into despair over the physical symptoms I was experiencing. By way of another example, recently I had been reflecting on Galatians 2 after a sermon our pastor preached. As he was talking about Galatians 2:16, I had only thought of “works of the law” as referring specifically the Mosaic laws in Exodus and Leviticus. I never had gotten caught up in trying to follow all those laws to try to earn my salvation, so I figured that this wasn’t a “problem” for me. But over the next few days, that verse kept coming back to my mind. I began to realize that I had created another set of “laws” in my own mind that I had been trying to follow. I was cut to the heart by this discovery. Later that week, I sat down and slowly read through Galatians 2, using the words for prayer and meditation. I paused at each verse, often stopping to mourn how I had trusted my own efforts, rather than Christ’s work on the cross. Confession and repentance followed and I asked God to show me how to live out the truth of justification by faith — rather than making rules and expectations for myself that I thought would earn his acceptance. These two examples are not meant to be a step-by-step how-to method. They show that meditation can take different forms and be spurred on by different circumstances. When we are focusing on God’s word, his works, his character, and his promises they become the catalyst for spiritual growth and reliance on God. Biblical meditation is not about physical postures, techniques, altered states, or detachment from reality. It is about engaging God’s Word with our whole selves—mind, heart, and will. It is time spent pondering who God is, what he has done, and how he wants us to live. Faithful meditation fuels faithful living!  In one of the episodes of Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls and her friend, Andy, track down a thief who has been stealing pies and other food from people in Walnut Grove. They use whatever tools they have available — including spreading flour on the counters at the town store to “dust” for fingerprints. They are persistent in their search, to the dismay of their parents and other community members who get caught up in the consequences of their sleuthing. (Spoiler alert: Laura’s father ends up with green paint dumped on his head!)
So what does their detective work have to do with the Bible? We need to be a bit like detectives to “find Jesus” in the Old Testament. Our task may be a bit easier than it was for the Walnut Grove detectives, because we already know who we are looking for. We know that Jesus came and lived among his people at a specific point in human history (this is usually referred to as the “incarnation”). We also know that the Bible gives us clues as to his eternal existence before he was conceived in the womb of a young girl named Mary. But how do we know if something in the Old Testament really is pointing to Jesus, or if we are stretching our imagination a little too far? And then we have words like theophanies. And Christophanies. And who is Melchizedek (is that even spelled right??). What — or who — is an Angel of the LORD? What do they have to do with Jesus in the Old Testament? Our detective work seems to raise more questions than answers, but Mike Winger helps us work through some of these ideas in his YouTube series: How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament. Mike Winger’s conversational and witty teaching style are easy to follow. As we join him on a journey through the Old Testament, he shows us clues for finding Jesus. We search with him as he reads passages in their context, and he helps us see the “fingerprints” that God has put there for us to find. As we follow the trail, Mike Winger also gives us the tools we need to understand how to faithfully interpret those clues. As we go through each video, we learn guiding principles that we can rely on when we come across other passages that may have more clues. Mike Winger’s passion for Scripture and love for God shine through at each moment. The time seems to fly as we observe each interesting, fascinating, awe-inspiring detail in Scripture. The videos are presented in a style that will appeal to young and seasoned Scripture detectives. Watch these videos with a Bible, pen, notebook, and magnifying glass in hand because there is so much to see! The clues are in Scripture and its Author wants us to find them.  You’ve probably heard Christians say, “God showed up.”
It’s a familiar phrase, used in moments when God’s help or presence seems stronger than at other times. “God really showed up at church this Sunday.” “Our car was totaled, but God showed up and provided.” “Things were tense with my friend, but God showed up and helped us work it out.” “This year has been overwhelming, but God showed up and gave us strength.” Most of the time, we know exactly what people mean. They’re not making a theological statement—they’re expressing gratitude. They’re describing a time when they were aware of God’s care. And that impulse—to praise God and recognize his kindness—is a good one. But what are we really saying when we use that phrase? If God “showed up” at that moment, does that mean he was absent before? What about the Sundays when the music doesn’t move us? Or the situations where the money doesn’t come, the relationship stays broken, or the struggle doesn’t resolve? What about the long seasons where God feels silent, distant, or hard to find? Scripture tells us that God is never absent. We are never outside his care or attention. He is not more present in our victories than in our suffering, or more attentive in our joy than in our grief. Psalm 139 reminds us that there is nowhere we can go where God is not already there. And yet, there are moments when we become more aware of him. Moments when the fog lifts just enough for us to see his hand at work. Moments when strength arrives that we know didn’t come from ourselves. Moments when we look back and realize God was carrying us all along. Perhaps what we mean when we say “God showed up” is not that he suddenly arrived—but that we finally noticed. That distinction matters, not because we want to police language, but because it shapes how we understand God. He is not waiting on the sidelines until circumstances improve. He is not “off duty” in our confusion, weakness, or pain. He is steadily, faithfully at work—even when we don’t feel it. So maybe instead of saying “God showed up,” we can say things like: “This service was especially encouraging.” “God provided in a way we didn’t expect.” “God helped us take steps toward reconciliation.” “Looking back, I can see how God sustained us during that season.” These kinds of words remind us that his presence isn’t dependent on our awareness of it. And when someone does say, “God showed up,” we don’t need to correct them. We can receive it for what it usually is: a sincere expression of praise. But in our own hearts—and in our own words—we can remember the quieter, steadier truth. God didn’t just arrive. He is always here. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10  Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with a long-term health condition. One sleepless night, my unwelcome companion sent me a letter—and naturally, I replied. To whom it may concern: Congratulations! You have been selected to be the host for (insert name of chronic condition here). You will begin to experience many or all of these symptoms — and may even deal with several of them at the same time. --pain. We are equal opportunity destroyers, therefore we will choose many places for you to experience pain. We have even devised many different types of pain -- aching, stabbing, throbbing, tingling, burning, gripping, or cramping. We are continually improving our repertoire of pain categories, so updates are to be expected. --dizziness (this can be accompanied by nausea, mental confusion, ringing in the ears, vomiting, loss of coordination, and sensations of spinning, rocking, or shaking). We try to simulate the experience of riding a never-ending roller coaster to satisfy your adventurous spirit. No safety harnesses required, and you have no choice of when the coaster ride starts, ends, or how fast it goes. --extreme fatigue (Now remember, this is not just being "tired"). We will suddenly "pull your plug", so to speak, and you will have NO energy at all. Even dressing or taking a shower will be too daunting of a task for you to complete. And because we like surprises, we will NOT give you any advance warning, so you could be in the middle of the grocery store, at work, playing with your kids, or trying to clean the house. --forgetting, losing, dropping things. (These are just a few of the perks of your condition. You will learn to expect them, but never to enjoy them). In addition to the symptoms above, we also want to eliminate some things from your crowded lifestyle. Here are a few of the things which will be taken away from you now that you are chosen to have a chronic condition: --the ability to stand or walk for longer than 15 minutes without experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or legs --the ability to sit for longer than 10 minutes without experience cramping in your legs and butt, or shooting pains in your back --the ability to complete any task which requires more than 10 minutes of concentration, multi-step activities and long-term projects will take 2-3 times longer --the ability to play and run with your children like you did before --the ability to accumulate sick days at work to earn the perfect attendance bonus As indicated previously, this condition is in constant flux and more symptoms will be added as we deem necessary. There is no warranty, guarantee, technical support, or customer service available. Sincerely, Your chronic condition Dear My chronic condition: I would like to clarify that, while you may wreak havoc on my body, and maybe even confuse my thoughts -- you cannot have my heart or my soul. You cannot take my faith, my hope, or my love. There are some good things you have given me. --strengthened prayer life --increased dependence on God's strength, rather than my own --abundant delight in God's word --renewed friendship with a wonderful friend from childhood --more opportunities to speak about my Savior, Lord, and Best Friend --appreciation for every precious moment I am given --growth in character, perseverance, and hope --inspiration for writing to help others --more compassion for others who are suffering These gifts have come at a price because of the obstacles you have put in my path, but I will go over them or around them. In fact, while I am overcoming them, I will stop for a moment to reflect upon the mountain I am climbing. The path may be rough and uncertain, but God is sustaining me. When I need to rest, I will look back to see how God is working through my suffering. On the good days, I will take advantage of every precious moment. On the bad days, I will cling to the certain hope of no pain or tears in the new heaven and the new earth. Sincerely, ME Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Romans 5:3-4  15 degrees outside. 10 MPH winds. Real feel of 4 degrees. Cloudy, gray skies. An inch of snow and slush on the roads. Perfect conditions for a walk outdoors, right?
I didn’t want to add layers and go outside to walk. I really wanted to stay inside. But I knew I should get some exercise and I was tired of using the treadmill. So I reluctantly put on the bulky winter gear and dragged myself outdoors. “Just for ten minutes,” I told myself. “Around the block and then back to my cozy house to curl up with a book.” I started walking and used the words to the songs playing on my headphones to distract myself from the cold, the wind, the wet road, and the lack of sunshine. The worship music improved my mood, and I started noticing what was around me. As I stopped focusing on myself, I saw reminders of God, his creation, his providence, and the gospel. I noticed that the grass was hidden and the trees were bare, but remembered the snow is a source of water that helps bring new life in the spring. In the same way, we may not be able to perceive how God is working, but his purposes will succeed. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 The fresh, white snowflakes landing on the ground were a visible reminder that Yahweh has cleansed us from sin and unrighteousness. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7 Then I noticed the dirty tire tracks and slush that marred the beauty of the fallen snow. These were a stark reminder that we still experience the effects of sin. We live in the “already, not yet” -- through Christ’s work on the cross, we have been freed from the power of sin. However, we still struggle and suffer with brokenness that is our present reality. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:19-22 I didn’t notice the wind much until I turned to walk back home. The force of the wind pushed me back and whipped around me loudly. I recalled the account in Acts 2 when they heard a sound like a mighty wind and saw what appeared to be tongues of fire. These sights and sounds were signs of the Holy Spirit indwelling them. This recollection prompted me to thank God for the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 As I continued walking, I began to look forward to the comforts that awaited me when I returned home. The thoughts renewed my longing for the “not yet” -- the time when darkness, sin, death, and suffering will end. The fleeting troubles that we experience now will be wiped away and we will flourish eternally in the new heavens and the new earth. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[d] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 These seemingly undesirable conditions were like caffeine for my soul. Ten minutes around the block ended up being a half hour of prayer, meditation, and praise. It was still cold, windy, and dismal outside -- that hadn’t changed. My perspective had changed. God in his sovereignty had provided what I needed even more than fresh air and exercise - tangible reminders of who He is and what He has done. |
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