O my soul, bless GOD!
GOD, my God, how great you are!
beautifully, gloriously robed,
Dressed up in sunshine,
and all heaven stretched out for your tent.
You built your palace on the ocean deeps,
made a chariot out of clouds and took off on wind-wings.
You commandeered winds as messengers,
appointed fire and flame as ambassadors.
"Now, since God presents himself to us clothed with light, those who are seeking pretexts for their living without the knowledge of him, cannot allege in excuse of their slothfulness, that he is hidden in profound darkness. When it is said that the heavens are a curtain, it is not meant that under them God hides himself, but that by them his majesty and glory are displayed; being, as it were, his royal pavilion."
(Commentary from Heart Aflame: Daily Readings from Calvin on the Psalms
"Doctrine in an Old Overcoat"
Weekend Reading
In Titus, Paul is advising Titus to teach the members of the church in Crete to live a way of life that goes along with sound doctrine. "He was saying that there is a manner of life that is inextricably entwined with biblical teaching." It is important to realize that the characteristics of the life do not produce the doctrine. The doctrine produces, or affects, the life. Paul uses ordinary people to show how this doctrine infiltrates life. Some of the characteristics are: dignified; self-controlled; sound in love; steadfast; reverent; not slanderers. "Paul concludes by saying that lives lived in such a way are ornaments to the doctrine of God."
The principle that Paul is setting forth here should be a topic of meditation for all of us. "Bibilical doctrine rightly believed will become integrated into every facet of the Christian's life."
There are those who vigorously argue and defend classic Reformation theology, but do not demonstrate it in their lives. "One may be able to teach in depth on predestination and the perseverance of the saints, yet reveal a heart full of pride and arrogance. One may say he believes that he is a sinner, yet have the attitude of the self-righteous. Such a life does not fit with Scripture and is incongruous with its doctrines. Trust in the sovereignty of God should form a strong humility in the life of the believer. Assurance of the grace of God should produce a constant gratitude and an incredible desire to forgive those who have sinned against us. Belief in the doctrine that all men are made in the image of God should yield a habit of showing respect to others no matter their station in life."
The following question is the kicker. "Why should we expect anyone to believe a theology we teach with our lips but contradict with our lives?"
The title of the article comes from advice given the author by a mentor. "Son, don't wear this theology like a badge." You see, badges indicate authority. They are also easily obtainable and easily worn. "These doctrines are best worn like an old overcoat." It takes time to attain a habitual pattern of living. There is a spiritual process of "repeatedly learning, failing, praying, repenting, and accepting correction."
I must say, this has been one of my favorite weekend readings from the whole time I have subscribed to Tabletalk.
While I confess that I am often guilty of contradicting what I believe with my life (who isn't, right?), I firmly believe that it is impossible for those who truly believes in sound biblical doctrine to compartmentalize their lives so that they show evidence of their Christianity at one place and not another. We should be the same people no matter where we are; at work, at play, at home, with friends, with family, with strangers. It is reprehensible that we would act one way at church on Sunday morning and a totally different way at work on Monday morning. Is it any wonder that the Church is losing the respect of the world?
"Released and Adopted"
Romans 5:21
Reading from the English Standard Version
"so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Consider a man on death row. All appeals have been exhausted. His execution could come any day.
The cell door flings open. The judge who sentenced the man holds a full pardon in his hand. And on top of this, the judge has adopted the man into has family as his own son.
This is truly what has happened to us. We were living on God's "death row." According to Romans 6:23, the wages of sin is death, both physical and eternal. As believers, we have been delivered from eternal death. But according to Romans 8:23, "we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." This will reach ultimate fulfillment at the resurrection, the time when we will receive our eternal, glorified bodies and live forever in the presence of the Lord.
There is a limit to this human illustration though. If you were a member of the judge's family, would you be able to sleep at night with this pardoned murderer in your house? Would you be in fear for your life while you slept?
The human judge who pardoned the criminal could not change the man's heart. "Bug God can and does change our hearts." He takes away our hearts of stone and gives us hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). "We no longer have the heart of a criminal. This, too, is part of our redemption that Jesus secured for us."
I thank you so much for the lessons this morning. My eyes have been opened a little more concerning how I should react and respond to situations going on in my life right now. I have responded with bitterness and anger, where I need to be responding with humility and forgiveness. I still struggle with things that probably need to come out in the open regarding certain people's lies and deception, especially in regard to your Church. People have harmed your Church, Father, and I believe they need to be held accountable for it. However, the Scriptures also tell us that vengeance is yours. Let me speak the truth when the opportunity arises. And, if possible, allow me to rebuke with love anyone who needs rebuking. But otherwise, inspire me to respond in love and humility in all circumstances.
Father, I commit to living out your doctrines in all aspects of my life. I have worked on that for a long time, but still have much work to do, much progress to make. I thank you for a dear friend at work that is helping me in this process.
Father, I pray for the political tension in our world, especially centering around the Middle East. I pray that there could be peace (even though I doubt that it will happen). Does this mean I doubt you? No. I doubt humans, not you. Mostly I pray that our involvement in situations in the Middle East will not be with the "wrong sides." Give our political leaders wisdom and discernment to make the right decisions.
Grace and peace, friends.