GENERATIONAL NETWORKING
At 63 I'm considered an "old guy" in some circles. Especially in this country where I'm standing at the front of the "boomer" line. However, in other nations, and at other times in our cultural de-evolution I'd be considered (and revered) as an elder worthy of respect and honor simply because I had earned those perks through the process of aging. Seeing things from my perspective as an "aged one" I am concerned and saddened by what's being lost to the generations coming along behind me. We are (all) suffering from the disconnections which are taking place between the young and old(er) in matters related to living on this planet. I recently read a comment somewhere on line that said we were becoming a nation of hermits slouched over our computer screens with our "blackberrys" in hand. That's certainly not the way our Creator intends for us to live our lives.
Scripture gives us a very clear picture of how we are to be joined together:
"And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come." (Ps.71:18/NASB)
"For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments..." (Ps.78:5-7 /NASB)
"You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness." (Eph.4:4-6/MSG)
The Biblical directive those verses call us to as believers is certainly not how we're functioning currently. Maybe something(s) will occur in the future that will begin to re-establish the pattern that God's Word gives us for helping one another to grow and mature. I hope, and pray that will be the case. To that end, perhaps the following observations may help to move things in that direction.
In the October edition of AARP magazine (yes, really), there was an article in the Life Lessons section entitled "The Pressure To Be Wise". It referenced a video series called "Wisdom Keepers". In it there are a number of short interviews with older people of accomplishment, from dancers to environmentalists to writers intended "as a motivational tool for an audience of teenagers (now know as "young adults")." There were a couple of phrases that prompted me to post this blog up:
At 20 you know everything; at 70 you're not so sure
One of the reasons to keep wisdom, it seems, is so you can pass it on
There was one section in particular that addressed this topic in a very concise fashion. Margaret Atwood (a Canadian author and poet) drew on an example from the Inuit tribe from Arctic. Regarding the process of joining the generations among the Inuits tribe, she made the follows observations:
"You can't become an Elder just by getting old; it's a title bestowed by others. You never push your advice, but you offer it if asked. You can tell who the Elders are just by watching a group. They are the ones to whom the others are always bringing cups of tea. When an Elder speaks, people listen. But, they don't speak often.
An Elder knows what to do in times of difficulty. They acquired that knowledge by having endured hard times before. As one of their old sayings puts it, 'Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment'."
She goes on to make these comments based on her cultural studies from history:
"In earlier societies, especially those living in harsh environments, at a time when the life expectancy was 35 or so, the rare individual living to 60 would have seen many more times of crisis than the younger people. He or she would have had a better idea of how to face those dangers. In traditional Japan it was the custom to tear down and rebuild wooden temples at set intervals, so that the rebuilt temple would exactly resemble its predecessor. Three generations of master craftsmen were always employed: the apprentices, who were learning; the master craftsmen of middle years, who had already lived through one temple rebuilding; and the oldest generation, who'd been through the process twice before and could coach the other two."
So, here's something for all of you apprentices and middle year folks to consider -- from one of your elders. Instead of setting all us "Baby Boomers" adrift in tinny little boats with limited rations when we reach our sixty-fifth birthday, perhaps you could consider making space in your hearts for the principles of Scripture I mentioned above to work some kingdom renewal among us.
I'm just thinking out loud. At least I think I am. Its pasted my bedtime isn't it?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
THE ULTIMATE WORSHIP WARRIOR:
Scripture reveals to us that Jesus is the “author and finisher” of our faith (Heb.12:2). I take that to mean that the embodiment of a life of faithful service to God is exemplified through Christ’s obedience to His Fathers Sovereign will. Quite literally, our Lord modeled what it means to be a “living sacrifice” by going to the Cross as the act of redemption for all of humankind. Having had the power (and the right) to call down all the forces of heaven on His behalf (Matt.26:53) in order to side-step Golgotha, He instead chose to yield Himself up in submission to the orders He’d received from headquarters.
His yielding (Phil.2:7&8) came at the zenith of the most terrifying moment of the most horrific battle that’s ever taken place on earth. The warfare that raged there on “skull hill” that dark day was like no other confrontation that had ever taken place.
All the vile forces of hell where directly arrayed against the very throne of God in heaven. But at that juncture when divine force, supernatural power, Sovereign authority, and Holy-self-determination would have seemed the only fitting way to engage in battle an entirely unexpected strategy was implement. Rather than confront the enemy with a display of Divinity, Jesus humbled Himself on the cross (Heb.2:9&10, 14) and gave Himself as an act of worship. His body raised up bruised, beaten and bloody became the glorious standard lifted up to draw all men to Him (Jn.12:32). No weapon was used, except His own body. No fisted hand was raised in anger. Instead, His empty and opened hands were extended in complete *consecration and nailed to a cross beam. From that position He could render no blows against His adversary. The only wounds inflicted that day were the ones He took upon Himself (Isa.53:5). The resistance toward satan that the Lord showed us was manifested through His act of surrender to the Father. In the middle of the warfare, worship alone became Christs weapon of choice. Jesus trusted that His Commander-In-Chief would provide both vindication and victory as He saw fit. The resurrection accomplished both.
*CONSECRATION is the setting aside of any person, place, or thing for acts of holy service. It also can mean to come with an open hand (as opposed to a closed or fisted one).
In those despairingly desperate moments on Calvary our Savior showed each of us how the life of a warrior and a worshiper could be linked together in a way most profound. There is no better way of explaining that every act of worship is an act of war than to let Scripture speak for itself:
“He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe
of their sham authority at the Cross and marched
them naked through the streets.”
(Col.2:15 / MSG)
Scripture reveals to us that Jesus is the “author and finisher” of our faith (Heb.12:2). I take that to mean that the embodiment of a life of faithful service to God is exemplified through Christ’s obedience to His Fathers Sovereign will. Quite literally, our Lord modeled what it means to be a “living sacrifice” by going to the Cross as the act of redemption for all of humankind. Having had the power (and the right) to call down all the forces of heaven on His behalf (Matt.26:53) in order to side-step Golgotha, He instead chose to yield Himself up in submission to the orders He’d received from headquarters.
His yielding (Phil.2:7&8) came at the zenith of the most terrifying moment of the most horrific battle that’s ever taken place on earth. The warfare that raged there on “skull hill” that dark day was like no other confrontation that had ever taken place.
All the vile forces of hell where directly arrayed against the very throne of God in heaven. But at that juncture when divine force, supernatural power, Sovereign authority, and Holy-self-determination would have seemed the only fitting way to engage in battle an entirely unexpected strategy was implement. Rather than confront the enemy with a display of Divinity, Jesus humbled Himself on the cross (Heb.2:9&10, 14) and gave Himself as an act of worship. His body raised up bruised, beaten and bloody became the glorious standard lifted up to draw all men to Him (Jn.12:32). No weapon was used, except His own body. No fisted hand was raised in anger. Instead, His empty and opened hands were extended in complete *consecration and nailed to a cross beam. From that position He could render no blows against His adversary. The only wounds inflicted that day were the ones He took upon Himself (Isa.53:5). The resistance toward satan that the Lord showed us was manifested through His act of surrender to the Father. In the middle of the warfare, worship alone became Christs weapon of choice. Jesus trusted that His Commander-In-Chief would provide both vindication and victory as He saw fit. The resurrection accomplished both.
*CONSECRATION is the setting aside of any person, place, or thing for acts of holy service. It also can mean to come with an open hand (as opposed to a closed or fisted one).
In those despairingly desperate moments on Calvary our Savior showed each of us how the life of a warrior and a worshiper could be linked together in a way most profound. There is no better way of explaining that every act of worship is an act of war than to let Scripture speak for itself:
“He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe
of their sham authority at the Cross and marched
them naked through the streets.”
(Col.2:15 / MSG)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
“ENTERING IN”
I want to unpack that term “entering in” with you in order to consider exactly what it means. The way it is most often used in congregations is something like let’s all “enter into God’s Presence”, or perhaps, “it’s time to enter into worship”. There are several ways of expressing the concept --- I’m sure you know the varied phrase(s). I’m not too interest in the specific language that you might use however. What I’m really wanting to get at is the meaning behind the term itself.
As a worship pastor for the last 13 years, and a worship leader for some 15 years prior to that, I’ve come to believe that many (most) worshipers don’t really have a clear understanding of what it means when we say we’re “entering in” as we’re gathered to enthrone God upon our praises (Ps.22:3).
There’s a lot I’d like to say but I am purposed to be as concise as possible with my comments. To do so I’m going to borrow an example from a message I recently heard given by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It’s one of the best explanations I’ve ever heard dealing with this topic. And, since I am in relationship with Bishop I know he won’t mind if I use it --- especially having given him credit for his insights.
Here’s a paraphrased version of what he said:
When we turn on our T.V.’s or radios (lap tops & iphones) to listen to a program that we are interested in the people involved (cast & crew) aren’t sitting in a studio somewhere waiting for us to tune in before they begin. Of course not. They begin their program with or without us. At the moment we link up with what’s already “in progress” we are “entering in” to what was taking place before we ever turned the power on. Our involvement -- at whatever level we choose -- begins when we engage in what’s already happening. In other words, the program (or church service) can, will, and does take place with or without us. But, in order for us to share in the experience we have to engage with those who are already actively taking part in the presentation.
I think Bishops commments are spot on. The process is the same in matters of corporate praise and worship. Saints and angels on earth and in heaven above are pro-active in praise & worship all the time (24/7/365). It’s non-stop, with no breaks and no pauses. Praise and worship is ongoing, constant and eternal. So, when we’re “entering in” to the adoration and exaltation of the Lord, our God, the offerings aren’t beginning with us. We’re not starting anything --- we’re joining a program already in progress. Selah…
I suppose some Scriptural support would be in order here to ground what I’m saying. So, consider this please:
“For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them... you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Heb.12:18, 19, 22-24 / NASB)
Note please in verse 22 where it says that we “have come to Mount Zion”. The word come in its base language is in the active tense meaning that it has already taken place. The passage is leading us to understand that we have (in terms of eternity) already “entered in” to the scene the text goes on to describe in grand and glorious details. Saints, we’re in already! Therefore all that’s required of us is to act like we know that and respond accordingly.
“BOW DOWN”
Bow down before the Lord
Worship Him, Oh worship Him
Bow down before our God
Enter in, Oh enter in
Consuming fire, sweet perfume
His awesome presence fills this room
This is holy ground, so come and bow down
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of hosts
Saints and angels give Him glory
In the Holy Ghost
(David Baroni & Tony Sutherland / Integrity’s Hosanna Music, ’94)
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
I want to unpack that term “entering in” with you in order to consider exactly what it means. The way it is most often used in congregations is something like let’s all “enter into God’s Presence”, or perhaps, “it’s time to enter into worship”. There are several ways of expressing the concept --- I’m sure you know the varied phrase(s). I’m not too interest in the specific language that you might use however. What I’m really wanting to get at is the meaning behind the term itself.
As a worship pastor for the last 13 years, and a worship leader for some 15 years prior to that, I’ve come to believe that many (most) worshipers don’t really have a clear understanding of what it means when we say we’re “entering in” as we’re gathered to enthrone God upon our praises (Ps.22:3).
There’s a lot I’d like to say but I am purposed to be as concise as possible with my comments. To do so I’m going to borrow an example from a message I recently heard given by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It’s one of the best explanations I’ve ever heard dealing with this topic. And, since I am in relationship with Bishop I know he won’t mind if I use it --- especially having given him credit for his insights.
Here’s a paraphrased version of what he said:
When we turn on our T.V.’s or radios (lap tops & iphones) to listen to a program that we are interested in the people involved (cast & crew) aren’t sitting in a studio somewhere waiting for us to tune in before they begin. Of course not. They begin their program with or without us. At the moment we link up with what’s already “in progress” we are “entering in” to what was taking place before we ever turned the power on. Our involvement -- at whatever level we choose -- begins when we engage in what’s already happening. In other words, the program (or church service) can, will, and does take place with or without us. But, in order for us to share in the experience we have to engage with those who are already actively taking part in the presentation.
I think Bishops commments are spot on. The process is the same in matters of corporate praise and worship. Saints and angels on earth and in heaven above are pro-active in praise & worship all the time (24/7/365). It’s non-stop, with no breaks and no pauses. Praise and worship is ongoing, constant and eternal. So, when we’re “entering in” to the adoration and exaltation of the Lord, our God, the offerings aren’t beginning with us. We’re not starting anything --- we’re joining a program already in progress. Selah…
I suppose some Scriptural support would be in order here to ground what I’m saying. So, consider this please:
“For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them... you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Heb.12:18, 19, 22-24 / NASB)
Note please in verse 22 where it says that we “have come to Mount Zion”. The word come in its base language is in the active tense meaning that it has already taken place. The passage is leading us to understand that we have (in terms of eternity) already “entered in” to the scene the text goes on to describe in grand and glorious details. Saints, we’re in already! Therefore all that’s required of us is to act like we know that and respond accordingly.
“BOW DOWN”
Bow down before the Lord
Worship Him, Oh worship Him
Bow down before our God
Enter in, Oh enter in
Consuming fire, sweet perfume
His awesome presence fills this room
This is holy ground, so come and bow down
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of hosts
Saints and angels give Him glory
In the Holy Ghost
(David Baroni & Tony Sutherland / Integrity’s Hosanna Music, ’94)
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
Thursday, October 1, 2009
MORNING HAS BROKEN
(Prayers of Thanksgiving)
There are several things that I try to be faithful in as I offer daily prayers. I'd like to say that most of the items on my prayer list get covered each day --- but that's not always the case. However, there are two expressions of thanksgiving that I start my day off with pretty much without fail. I thank the Lord for "bird song", and "worship on the wind".
The "bird song" prayer was birthed sitting on my patio in the backyard of the "Berry-Patch"one morning just before dawn. In the spring, summer and early fall I tend to try and get outside as early as possible. I'm often outside find myself in the space where darkness is just beginning to turn into light. When that happens three things stir in my spirit reminding me that:
God's daily mercy shows up "new every morning"
I'm witnessing the birth of a new day
The night silence is being broken by the sound of birds offering up songs of praise
The other prayer point - "worship on the wind" - is something I've already addressed in a previous blog entitled "Wind Blown Worship". If you've read it then you understand what I mean when I use that phrase. If you haven't read it, you can backtrack through my other postings. Then maybe you'll start to hear things in the breeze yourself.
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
(Prayers of Thanksgiving)
There are several things that I try to be faithful in as I offer daily prayers. I'd like to say that most of the items on my prayer list get covered each day --- but that's not always the case. However, there are two expressions of thanksgiving that I start my day off with pretty much without fail. I thank the Lord for "bird song", and "worship on the wind".
The "bird song" prayer was birthed sitting on my patio in the backyard of the "Berry-Patch"one morning just before dawn. In the spring, summer and early fall I tend to try and get outside as early as possible. I'm often outside find myself in the space where darkness is just beginning to turn into light. When that happens three things stir in my spirit reminding me that:
God's daily mercy shows up "new every morning"
I'm witnessing the birth of a new day
The night silence is being broken by the sound of birds offering up songs of praise
The other prayer point - "worship on the wind" - is something I've already addressed in a previous blog entitled "Wind Blown Worship". If you've read it then you understand what I mean when I use that phrase. If you haven't read it, you can backtrack through my other postings. Then maybe you'll start to hear things in the breeze yourself.
“MERCY COMES CALLING”
While it’s still dark outside, a supernatural thing’s occurring
Light begins to rise, and life starts to stirring
Then suddenly without warning, another day is dawning
As mercy comes calling, mercy comes calling
Mercy comes calling, it’s new every morning
Night silence fills the air, as the atmosphere is changing
For those with ears to hear, creation wakes up singing
God’s Sovereign hand is forming, a reason for rejoicing
As mercy comes calling...
When the sun runs out its course, the shadows start descending
An indescribable force, brings another day to an ending
As I lay down for sleeping, I yield my soul to His keeping
As mercy comes calling...
By: W. Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A GOOD GIFT
(Mat.7:7-11)
” God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance,
He knows everything about us.” (P2.138:6 / The Message Bible)
I’ve recently returned from my tenth sojourn to the continent of Africa. The mystery and majesty of what God has deposited in that land and those who dwell there always amazes and humbles me. The kindness and hospitality of the African people is often overwhelming. And the grandeur of the Creators handy-work revealed through nature truly is astounding to witness first hand (Rom.1:20). But, on this trip my Lords involvement in the smallest details of my life has prompted me to give testimony to His Fatherly benevolence to His children.
Here’s what happened:
I’ve wanted an instrument from Africa for several years. It’s called a Mbira. History traces its roots to the nation of Zimbabwe hundreds of years ago.
{You might know of it as a “thumb piano” but that’s not a term that Africans care for. That’s a name coined by the English and (I feel) that it is a slight to the region and the indigenous craftsmen who designed and perfected how it is to be played}.
Pardon my multi-cultural venting and getting back to my testimony…
Through prayerful contacts I have with some brethren in Zimbabwe I managed to purchase one made locally. I was overjoyed to finally get my hands on one I could call my own. Having researched its use I know that playing it correctly (the Shona way) takes patience, practice, prayer, and perseverance from anyone interested enough and serious enough to begin the process of learning. I also knew that the first real problem I might encounter would be related to how it is tuned and kept in tune after the long trip back to the U.S. and the months and years of hands-on-attention it would take to eventually coax music out of it. So, connecting with someone in America that could perhaps assists me was a priority once I returned home.
As a worship pastor, minstrel, and psalmist unto the Lord I take the spiritual act of consecration very seriously (see Jos.3:5 / 1 Chron. 15:11&12 / 2 Chron.29:5). So, in one of the services I was to minister the Word I made a request of those attending the gathering and of one of the bishops who was also there to bring a “word from the Lord”. I ask him, and the congregation to allow me a few moments at the beginning of the service in order for him to anoint my Mbira (and me) with oil and to pray a prayer of consecration for kingdom service. They all graciously consented to do so. Having done that I'm taking to heart what we did and I'm trusting the Holy Ghost to honor my request for my musicianship and my instrument to be used in any way that will glorify Christ Jesus, and advance the kingdom here on earth.
This is where the really amazing part comes into play: I’ve been home only two weeks. Nonetheless the Lord has already made a way for me to link up with the best know female Mbira player in America. It turns out (through Divine happenstance) that she will be conducting a weekend workshop in Chicago in October where our daughter just happens to live.
My wife and I are headed there for a visit in three weeks. Arrangements were firmed up today for me to take my Mbira with me and leave it with my daughter. She is going to drop it off at the workshop --- which just happens to be only 1 ½ miles from here apartment (in a city of 2.8 million). The Mbira master has agreed to set mine up properly making certain that it’s tuned according to the Zimbabwe (Shona) tradition.
I’ve said all that to say this: The little things (the very little things) that are important to us are also important to our heavenly Father.
Someone who’s reading this perhaps needed to be reminded of that.
“YOU ARE LORD (Kenya Song)”
(Ps.138:4-6)
Over every tribe and nation, over every generation
Over all of Your creation, You are Lord
You are awesome, high and holy, but You bring comfort to the lowly
Thru Your presence and Your glory, You are Lord
Over wilderness and wasteland, and in every place where we stand
All of life is held in Your hand, You are Lord
Over every joy and sorrow, over Mount Kilimanjaro
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, You are Lord
Over every hopeless pilgrim, over all who seek Your kingdom
May Your prefect will be done, for You are Lord
Till the day of Your appearing, as eternity is nearing
I’ll tell all within my hearing, You are Lord
CHORUS:
I worship You, I worship You, Lord
I worship You, I worship You, Lord
By: W. Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI
(Mat.7:7-11)
” God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance,
He knows everything about us.” (P2.138:6 / The Message Bible)
I’ve recently returned from my tenth sojourn to the continent of Africa. The mystery and majesty of what God has deposited in that land and those who dwell there always amazes and humbles me. The kindness and hospitality of the African people is often overwhelming. And the grandeur of the Creators handy-work revealed through nature truly is astounding to witness first hand (Rom.1:20). But, on this trip my Lords involvement in the smallest details of my life has prompted me to give testimony to His Fatherly benevolence to His children.
Here’s what happened:
I’ve wanted an instrument from Africa for several years. It’s called a Mbira. History traces its roots to the nation of Zimbabwe hundreds of years ago.
{You might know of it as a “thumb piano” but that’s not a term that Africans care for. That’s a name coined by the English and (I feel) that it is a slight to the region and the indigenous craftsmen who designed and perfected how it is to be played}.
Pardon my multi-cultural venting and getting back to my testimony…
Through prayerful contacts I have with some brethren in Zimbabwe I managed to purchase one made locally. I was overjoyed to finally get my hands on one I could call my own. Having researched its use I know that playing it correctly (the Shona way) takes patience, practice, prayer, and perseverance from anyone interested enough and serious enough to begin the process of learning. I also knew that the first real problem I might encounter would be related to how it is tuned and kept in tune after the long trip back to the U.S. and the months and years of hands-on-attention it would take to eventually coax music out of it. So, connecting with someone in America that could perhaps assists me was a priority once I returned home.
As a worship pastor, minstrel, and psalmist unto the Lord I take the spiritual act of consecration very seriously (see Jos.3:5 / 1 Chron. 15:11&12 / 2 Chron.29:5). So, in one of the services I was to minister the Word I made a request of those attending the gathering and of one of the bishops who was also there to bring a “word from the Lord”. I ask him, and the congregation to allow me a few moments at the beginning of the service in order for him to anoint my Mbira (and me) with oil and to pray a prayer of consecration for kingdom service. They all graciously consented to do so. Having done that I'm taking to heart what we did and I'm trusting the Holy Ghost to honor my request for my musicianship and my instrument to be used in any way that will glorify Christ Jesus, and advance the kingdom here on earth.
This is where the really amazing part comes into play: I’ve been home only two weeks. Nonetheless the Lord has already made a way for me to link up with the best know female Mbira player in America. It turns out (through Divine happenstance) that she will be conducting a weekend workshop in Chicago in October where our daughter just happens to live.
My wife and I are headed there for a visit in three weeks. Arrangements were firmed up today for me to take my Mbira with me and leave it with my daughter. She is going to drop it off at the workshop --- which just happens to be only 1 ½ miles from here apartment (in a city of 2.8 million). The Mbira master has agreed to set mine up properly making certain that it’s tuned according to the Zimbabwe (Shona) tradition.
I’ve said all that to say this: The little things (the very little things) that are important to us are also important to our heavenly Father.
Someone who’s reading this perhaps needed to be reminded of that.
“YOU ARE LORD (Kenya Song)”
(Ps.138:4-6)
Over every tribe and nation, over every generation
Over all of Your creation, You are Lord
You are awesome, high and holy, but You bring comfort to the lowly
Thru Your presence and Your glory, You are Lord
Over wilderness and wasteland, and in every place where we stand
All of life is held in Your hand, You are Lord
Over every joy and sorrow, over Mount Kilimanjaro
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, You are Lord
Over every hopeless pilgrim, over all who seek Your kingdom
May Your prefect will be done, for You are Lord
Till the day of Your appearing, as eternity is nearing
I’ll tell all within my hearing, You are Lord
CHORUS:
I worship You, I worship You, Lord
I worship You, I worship You, Lord
By: W. Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI
Saturday, August 1, 2009
THE NOT-SO-CONSTANT-GARDNER
I live in a neighborhood where several of the houses have fairly large yards. Those that surround us at the “Berry-Patch” have at least an acre or so. Our property is just a little shy of two. I do a lot of reading, praying, studying and all-round-pondering (i.e. worship) sitting on our patio in the backyard – weather permitting.
Today (7/6/’09) as I was sitting there the Holy Ghost began to speak to me about kingdom stuff using the garden in the yard that’s directly behind our house. This is what took place:
In late spring the gentleman that lives there drove a pick up truck into his side yard filled with some type of specially prepared fertilizer. It came in rolls and there were several. He unloaded them and then began to break them apart with a shovel, a hoe, and his bare hands. No other preparation had taken place but I assumed that he had plans to plant something there.
One morning some two weeks later, another truck showed up in his driveway. This time it had one of those small backhoes on a small trailer behind it. The man driving the truck unloaded the bobcat and in no time at all he had plowed out a good size plot of ground that was clearly intended to become a produce garden.
A day or two later my neighbor was out there for several hours doing some very exacting work. He measured off the plowed plot; then measured off evenly laid out and divided rows within it; then he took heavy twine and stretched it out across the entire space. I was very impressed – I could see he had a purpose for this space having invested his time, money, and energy on it.
Then not many days later I saw him out again. This time he had what appeared to be some type of special wooden box in his hands. I watched him kneel down and begin to carefully take several packages of seed out of it. And, again he spend the better part of a day patiently planting those things that he clearly intended to nurture in hopes of reaping a harvest of the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor. At least that was his apparent intention.
Instead something else happened. Either he got distracted by “other things”; or his work schedule forced him to readjust his priorities; or he got bored with the project; or he just got to lazy too bother with it. I don’t know for certain why things changed. But they clearly did. I saw him out there only one more time early one evening. He sat up a sprinkler and began to water what he’d so carefully planted. Since that evening, there’s been no more attention given to the ground or the seeds in it.
Today (some 2 ½ months later) as I look out across my yard and over into his this is what I saw: Weeds!
If you were to look at his garden spot today having not noticed the work that he did several weeks ago, you’d be hard pressed to even know that the area was any different from the rest of his yard. Now it just looks like a section that needs a good mowing. There’s nothing there except for the weeds due to lack of attention. No, that’s not totally true. The twine is still stretched out across what was once plowed ground. If you walked over near it you’d still be able to see that it divides up the land into rows meant for something besides weeds. There is one stalk of corn about 10 inches high and what appears to be a plant that wanted to be squash. But, a garden it isn’t – not even close.
As I surveyed the scene the Holy Ghost spoke to me regarding our lives in the Spirit. This is what I heard Him say:
Planning, preparation and intention are all necessary things in order to set aside a space in our lives for the seed of God’s Word to be planted. That’s called consecration. However, once the seed is sown it will require something more from us. That's call self-discipline. Ongoing, regular and diligent attention will have to be factored into our schedules (our lifestyles) if we hope to have anything coming up from the seed that can be used to feed our hungry souls. Without care and proper attention kingdom seeds are chocked out by temporal weeds (see Mark 4:19).
"In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life." (Ja.1:21 / The Message Bible)
"VEGETABLES"
I'm gonna be round my vegetables
I'm gonna chow down my vegetables
I love you most of all
My favorite vege-table
If you brought a big brown bag of them home
I'd jump up and down and hope you'd toss me a carrot
I'm gonna keep well my vegetables
Cart off and sell my vegetables
I love you most of all
My favorite vege-table
I tried to kick the ball but my tenny flew right off
I'm red as a beet 'cause I'm so embarassed
I know that you'll feel better
When you send us in
Your letter an'
Tell us the name of your
Your favorite vege-table
(By: Brian Wilson / Beach Boys / Smiley Smile / You Tube)
Copyrignt Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
I live in a neighborhood where several of the houses have fairly large yards. Those that surround us at the “Berry-Patch” have at least an acre or so. Our property is just a little shy of two. I do a lot of reading, praying, studying and all-round-pondering (i.e. worship) sitting on our patio in the backyard – weather permitting.
Today (7/6/’09) as I was sitting there the Holy Ghost began to speak to me about kingdom stuff using the garden in the yard that’s directly behind our house. This is what took place:
In late spring the gentleman that lives there drove a pick up truck into his side yard filled with some type of specially prepared fertilizer. It came in rolls and there were several. He unloaded them and then began to break them apart with a shovel, a hoe, and his bare hands. No other preparation had taken place but I assumed that he had plans to plant something there.
One morning some two weeks later, another truck showed up in his driveway. This time it had one of those small backhoes on a small trailer behind it. The man driving the truck unloaded the bobcat and in no time at all he had plowed out a good size plot of ground that was clearly intended to become a produce garden.
A day or two later my neighbor was out there for several hours doing some very exacting work. He measured off the plowed plot; then measured off evenly laid out and divided rows within it; then he took heavy twine and stretched it out across the entire space. I was very impressed – I could see he had a purpose for this space having invested his time, money, and energy on it.
Then not many days later I saw him out again. This time he had what appeared to be some type of special wooden box in his hands. I watched him kneel down and begin to carefully take several packages of seed out of it. And, again he spend the better part of a day patiently planting those things that he clearly intended to nurture in hopes of reaping a harvest of the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor. At least that was his apparent intention.
Instead something else happened. Either he got distracted by “other things”; or his work schedule forced him to readjust his priorities; or he got bored with the project; or he just got to lazy too bother with it. I don’t know for certain why things changed. But they clearly did. I saw him out there only one more time early one evening. He sat up a sprinkler and began to water what he’d so carefully planted. Since that evening, there’s been no more attention given to the ground or the seeds in it.
Today (some 2 ½ months later) as I look out across my yard and over into his this is what I saw: Weeds!
If you were to look at his garden spot today having not noticed the work that he did several weeks ago, you’d be hard pressed to even know that the area was any different from the rest of his yard. Now it just looks like a section that needs a good mowing. There’s nothing there except for the weeds due to lack of attention. No, that’s not totally true. The twine is still stretched out across what was once plowed ground. If you walked over near it you’d still be able to see that it divides up the land into rows meant for something besides weeds. There is one stalk of corn about 10 inches high and what appears to be a plant that wanted to be squash. But, a garden it isn’t – not even close.
As I surveyed the scene the Holy Ghost spoke to me regarding our lives in the Spirit. This is what I heard Him say:
Planning, preparation and intention are all necessary things in order to set aside a space in our lives for the seed of God’s Word to be planted. That’s called consecration. However, once the seed is sown it will require something more from us. That's call self-discipline. Ongoing, regular and diligent attention will have to be factored into our schedules (our lifestyles) if we hope to have anything coming up from the seed that can be used to feed our hungry souls. Without care and proper attention kingdom seeds are chocked out by temporal weeds (see Mark 4:19).
"In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life." (Ja.1:21 / The Message Bible)
"VEGETABLES"
I'm gonna be round my vegetables
I'm gonna chow down my vegetables
I love you most of all
My favorite vege-table
If you brought a big brown bag of them home
I'd jump up and down and hope you'd toss me a carrot
I'm gonna keep well my vegetables
Cart off and sell my vegetables
I love you most of all
My favorite vege-table
I tried to kick the ball but my tenny flew right off
I'm red as a beet 'cause I'm so embarassed
I know that you'll feel better
When you send us in
Your letter an'
Tell us the name of your
Your favorite vege-table
(By: Brian Wilson / Beach Boys / Smiley Smile / You Tube)
Copyrignt Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
REPENTANT WORSHIP
(Case Studies)
I’m gonna cut right to the chase. It appears to me that brokenness and contrition are in danger of becoming obsolete practices within the fellowship of the saints. The contemporary church seems to have lost much of its understanding of what it means to repent of sin, turn away from unrighteousness, and pursue an upright relationship with the Lord in holy reverence. There, I’ve said it.
“The fear of (reverence for) the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Pro.1:7)
I have no intension of trying to build a case for my reasoning that will convince you that my observation is correct. There’s really little point in such an endeavor. A better course of action (kingdom wise) would be to let God’s Word do the convincing - and convicting.
What follows are three brief case studies from Scriptural accounts of what repentance looks like. They serve as an outline for a teaching series of mine focused on repentant worship . Perhaps they will give you some incentive for your own self-study. That way you may be better able to see what the Holy Ghost reveals to you in regards to living a lifestyle of repentance (see Rom.12:1 / The Message Bible).
I’ll begin with a couple of “working definition”.
Repentence: To be sorry / To turn back or away from / To return to the starting point / To retreat or backtrack. To think differently / To change or transform / To refashion (metamorphose).
Contrition: To collapse (physically or mentally). From words meaning to crush, crumble or break (into pieces).
Case Study #1: Psalm 51
David: Personal moral failures resulted in David’s acts of repentant worship.
Confrontation (being uncovered)
Confession (verbal acknowledgement of sin)
Conversion (actions that back up the words of confession)
v.1 David’s plea for grace and forgiveness is based on God’s nature
(i.e. His lovingkindness & compassion)
v.2 David is specific regarding his failures acknowledging three areas of accountability:
Transgressions (violation of moral or ethical law)
Iniquity (habitual sin patterns – often with a generational base)
Sin (missing the mark or falling short of God’s righteous standards)
v.3 David “owns” his stuff (he blames no one but himself)
v.4 David sees all the violations as being first and foremost between himself and God. With that being the case, he throws himself on God’s merciful justice.
vs.5-9 He begins with a verbal confession
vs.10-12 His confession flows freely & deeply (open & honest)
vs.13-14 He speaks forth the end desire of his pleading before the Father (righteous restoration)
vs.15-17 He shows that he has a deep understanding and intimate knowledge of who God is and what He can do (faith in action)
Vs.18-19 David sees a clear connection between how he walks with God and its effect on the fellowship of the saints as well. He has a corporate heart concerned with favor & restoration for himself and others.
Corporate Heart: David considers how his own sin can/is having a direct effect on his personal witness (testimony) and also on the lives of those he could/should be able to minister to. Such a perspective as this is becoming rare indeed within the body of Christ.
The key to unlocking restoration and renewal in David’s life is his offering of confession. This is a model of how a personal witness and ministry can be purified through acts of repentant worship.
"LAMENT"
A broken and a contrite heart
O God, You will not despise
Against You only I have sinned
I have fallen once again
I come to You in emptiness
Fill me with Your holiness
Create in me a heart that's clean
Draw me to Your side and then
Restore me with Your steadfast love
Have mercy on my wickedness
O God, I seek Your graciousness
Wash away iniquity
Remove transgression far from me
I come to You in brokenness
Fill with with Your righteousness
(W.Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI)
Case Study #2: Daniel 9
Daniel: Identificational repentance positioned Daniel “in the gap” for the nation of Israel and himself (Ezek.22:30). His worshipful prayers became a force “on earth as is in heaven” to set the stage for breakthrough and deliverance.
{Every act of worship is an act of warfare}
vs.1&2 Show Daniel to be a man of study and meditation (a theologian)
v.3 He pays a price to connect with his burden
a. Prayer (mystical connection)
b. Supplication (verbal utterance)
c. Fasting (physical expenditure)
d. Sackcloth & Ashes (outward signs of inward brokenness)
vs.4-19 Daniel takes up his repentant worship for all Israel and pours himself unreservedly into it. He reminds the Lord of His “compassion and forgiveness" (v.9) and states that the Lord should hear & respond “for Thine own sake” (v.19). He’s more concerned about God’s name and reputation than he is his own or that of the people.
vs.20-23 Show that the moment Daniel stepped over into such repentant worship was when God began releasing His captive people (v.23).
This is a model of how someones acts of repentant worship can serve as a means for others to be released and restored to freedom.
Case Study #3: Jonah 1&2
Jonah: Disobedience to God’s call and direction give us the context for how and why repentant worship took place in Jonah’s life.
vs.1&2 God’s word comes to Jonah with direction for him to carry out, “arise and go to Nineveh”. Jehovah wants to release a call for repentance and restoration to the residents of a city who’s “wickedness has come up” before the Lord (NASB). And, he wants the call for repentance to come forth from a servant entrusted to carry the will of God’s word forth to the people. Jonah has the opportunity (and good fortune) to be chosen of the Lord for this task.
v.3 Jonahs response is to disregard his calling and try to run away from it. By doing so he has placed himself in the position of moving out of God’s will which will in turn bring him to a point where his own wickedness rises up before the Lord. The effect of that will mean that Jonah will find himself in need of repentance as a result of his own spiritual insubordination.
v.4 The storm that the Lord releases is Jonahs “wake up call” meant to (re)awaken him to the reality of what it means to disobey the voice of the Spirit. Note that the storm is not a punishment --- it is an attention getter. This insight can serve as a good perspective for how to look at tough or awkward circumstances in our own lives if/when they come. Trying to rebuke the devil is not aways the best choice to make. Sometimes the “storm” that’s hitting us is in fact God’s way of getting our attention. Selah…
vs.5-16 You can read the story for yourself. Most of us probably know it well. It sets the stage for Jonah to come to terms with his need for personal repentant worship.
v.17 Note that the “great fish” is not God’s wrathful vengeance on Jonah for his failure to obey God’s direction. It is in fact God’s means of providing deliverance from drowning. Yes, really.
Chapter 2 provides us with a vivid picture of what it means to be broken and contrite before the Lord in confession and repentance.
From within the belly of the fish Jonah begins to worship in a way most profound. He understands very well that he has been delivered from drowning by being swallowed up. What “could” be viewed as going from bad to worse (from being thrown overboard to being swallowed) isn’t how Jonah responds to the situation at all. Rather, he begins to see his current circumstances (in the fishes belly) as a place of sanctuary. It becomes a “holy place” of worship.
Vs.2-6 Jonah prays a most beautiful pray of thanksgiving seemingly trapped within a place with no way out. Even though his predicament could seem hopeless, he nonetheless sees his surroundings as being provision from the Lord as a means of escape from the sea which would have surely taken his life. He purposes to pursue the Presence. The last line of verse 6 clearly shows us that something major has happened to Jonah. He has experienced a “Divine Encounter”! The text says, “but Thou hast brought up my life from the pit (the sea), O Lord my God (NASB).” How powerful!
v.7-9 Gives us the specific text of Jonahs prayers of worship and repentance. His faith and trust has risen up before the Lord “into Thy holy temple” (v.7). He offers his thanksgiving and renews his vow (of obedience) to His Sovereign. Then He acknowledges that his salvation (deliverance) has come from Jehovah.
Note that his prayer is released from within the place of his apparent captivity (the fishes belly). His seeming entrapment has been converted into a sanctuary and his praises unto the Lord arises BEFORE HIS DELIVERANCE (see Isa.54:1 / Rom.8:28 / Phil.4:4-8).
This is a model of how God's plan and purpose can be fulfilled through someones acts of repentant worship for moving in disobedience to a call upon their life.
To refocus, please refer to the “working definitions” for repentance and for contrition.
It’s clear to see that Jonahs story provides us with a testimony of how both those precepts have done their work in a deep and profound way. But, that’s not the end of this story. There are two more chapters to consider.
I’d be doing an injustice to the Word by leaving the rest of the drama out. A comprehensive examination of Jonahs comings and goings requires that the ending be at least mentioned. Please read chapters 3&4.
Jonah did in fact repent and he went on to be the agent of change that God had appointed him to be. By doing so, the entire population of Nineveh received salvation through Jehovahs righteousness acts of lovingkindness (Jonah 3:6-10). However, a turn of events took place thereafter which makes the point of the story even more important to our own lives and times.
After such a glorious and dynamic set of events had taken place (revival) Jonah begins to “flesh out” by becoming quite the malcontent. His grumbling and complaining before the Lord are truly a sad testimony to how our own walk in the spirit can often become misguided. By becoming so carnal and self-centered after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost over the entire city Jonah exhibits traits of human fallenness which we all still struggle with to this day.
We are called as servants unto our Lord, Christ Jesus. It is our duty (our responsibility) to listen to and obey the Spirits leading in all matters.
In order to maintain the vitality & power of the Presence in our lives God has established the process of restoration for us in our fallen-temporal-condition. This “process” is laid out clearly for us in 1 John 1:6-10 in order to teach us that conviction leads us to confession, and then on to repentance in order that we may be restored, renewed, and re-established in our witness and ministry.
Selah (pause & consider)
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
(Case Studies)
I’m gonna cut right to the chase. It appears to me that brokenness and contrition are in danger of becoming obsolete practices within the fellowship of the saints. The contemporary church seems to have lost much of its understanding of what it means to repent of sin, turn away from unrighteousness, and pursue an upright relationship with the Lord in holy reverence. There, I’ve said it.
“The fear of (reverence for) the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Pro.1:7)
I have no intension of trying to build a case for my reasoning that will convince you that my observation is correct. There’s really little point in such an endeavor. A better course of action (kingdom wise) would be to let God’s Word do the convincing - and convicting.
What follows are three brief case studies from Scriptural accounts of what repentance looks like. They serve as an outline for a teaching series of mine focused on repentant worship . Perhaps they will give you some incentive for your own self-study. That way you may be better able to see what the Holy Ghost reveals to you in regards to living a lifestyle of repentance (see Rom.12:1 / The Message Bible).
I’ll begin with a couple of “working definition”.
Repentence: To be sorry / To turn back or away from / To return to the starting point / To retreat or backtrack. To think differently / To change or transform / To refashion (metamorphose).
Contrition: To collapse (physically or mentally). From words meaning to crush, crumble or break (into pieces).
Case Study #1: Psalm 51
David: Personal moral failures resulted in David’s acts of repentant worship.
Confrontation (being uncovered)
Confession (verbal acknowledgement of sin)
Conversion (actions that back up the words of confession)
v.1 David’s plea for grace and forgiveness is based on God’s nature
(i.e. His lovingkindness & compassion)
v.2 David is specific regarding his failures acknowledging three areas of accountability:
Transgressions (violation of moral or ethical law)
Iniquity (habitual sin patterns – often with a generational base)
Sin (missing the mark or falling short of God’s righteous standards)
v.3 David “owns” his stuff (he blames no one but himself)
v.4 David sees all the violations as being first and foremost between himself and God. With that being the case, he throws himself on God’s merciful justice.
vs.5-9 He begins with a verbal confession
vs.10-12 His confession flows freely & deeply (open & honest)
vs.13-14 He speaks forth the end desire of his pleading before the Father (righteous restoration)
vs.15-17 He shows that he has a deep understanding and intimate knowledge of who God is and what He can do (faith in action)
Vs.18-19 David sees a clear connection between how he walks with God and its effect on the fellowship of the saints as well. He has a corporate heart concerned with favor & restoration for himself and others.
Corporate Heart: David considers how his own sin can/is having a direct effect on his personal witness (testimony) and also on the lives of those he could/should be able to minister to. Such a perspective as this is becoming rare indeed within the body of Christ.
The key to unlocking restoration and renewal in David’s life is his offering of confession. This is a model of how a personal witness and ministry can be purified through acts of repentant worship.
"LAMENT"
A broken and a contrite heart
O God, You will not despise
Against You only I have sinned
I have fallen once again
I come to You in emptiness
Fill me with Your holiness
Create in me a heart that's clean
Draw me to Your side and then
Restore me with Your steadfast love
Have mercy on my wickedness
O God, I seek Your graciousness
Wash away iniquity
Remove transgression far from me
I come to You in brokenness
Fill with with Your righteousness
(W.Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI)
Case Study #2: Daniel 9
Daniel: Identificational repentance positioned Daniel “in the gap” for the nation of Israel and himself (Ezek.22:30). His worshipful prayers became a force “on earth as is in heaven” to set the stage for breakthrough and deliverance.
{Every act of worship is an act of warfare}
vs.1&2 Show Daniel to be a man of study and meditation (a theologian)
v.3 He pays a price to connect with his burden
a. Prayer (mystical connection)
b. Supplication (verbal utterance)
c. Fasting (physical expenditure)
d. Sackcloth & Ashes (outward signs of inward brokenness)
vs.4-19 Daniel takes up his repentant worship for all Israel and pours himself unreservedly into it. He reminds the Lord of His “compassion and forgiveness" (v.9) and states that the Lord should hear & respond “for Thine own sake” (v.19). He’s more concerned about God’s name and reputation than he is his own or that of the people.
vs.20-23 Show that the moment Daniel stepped over into such repentant worship was when God began releasing His captive people (v.23).
This is a model of how someones acts of repentant worship can serve as a means for others to be released and restored to freedom.
Case Study #3: Jonah 1&2
Jonah: Disobedience to God’s call and direction give us the context for how and why repentant worship took place in Jonah’s life.
vs.1&2 God’s word comes to Jonah with direction for him to carry out, “arise and go to Nineveh”. Jehovah wants to release a call for repentance and restoration to the residents of a city who’s “wickedness has come up” before the Lord (NASB). And, he wants the call for repentance to come forth from a servant entrusted to carry the will of God’s word forth to the people. Jonah has the opportunity (and good fortune) to be chosen of the Lord for this task.
v.3 Jonahs response is to disregard his calling and try to run away from it. By doing so he has placed himself in the position of moving out of God’s will which will in turn bring him to a point where his own wickedness rises up before the Lord. The effect of that will mean that Jonah will find himself in need of repentance as a result of his own spiritual insubordination.
v.4 The storm that the Lord releases is Jonahs “wake up call” meant to (re)awaken him to the reality of what it means to disobey the voice of the Spirit. Note that the storm is not a punishment --- it is an attention getter. This insight can serve as a good perspective for how to look at tough or awkward circumstances in our own lives if/when they come. Trying to rebuke the devil is not aways the best choice to make. Sometimes the “storm” that’s hitting us is in fact God’s way of getting our attention. Selah…
vs.5-16 You can read the story for yourself. Most of us probably know it well. It sets the stage for Jonah to come to terms with his need for personal repentant worship.
v.17 Note that the “great fish” is not God’s wrathful vengeance on Jonah for his failure to obey God’s direction. It is in fact God’s means of providing deliverance from drowning. Yes, really.
Chapter 2 provides us with a vivid picture of what it means to be broken and contrite before the Lord in confession and repentance.
From within the belly of the fish Jonah begins to worship in a way most profound. He understands very well that he has been delivered from drowning by being swallowed up. What “could” be viewed as going from bad to worse (from being thrown overboard to being swallowed) isn’t how Jonah responds to the situation at all. Rather, he begins to see his current circumstances (in the fishes belly) as a place of sanctuary. It becomes a “holy place” of worship.
Vs.2-6 Jonah prays a most beautiful pray of thanksgiving seemingly trapped within a place with no way out. Even though his predicament could seem hopeless, he nonetheless sees his surroundings as being provision from the Lord as a means of escape from the sea which would have surely taken his life. He purposes to pursue the Presence. The last line of verse 6 clearly shows us that something major has happened to Jonah. He has experienced a “Divine Encounter”! The text says, “but Thou hast brought up my life from the pit (the sea), O Lord my God (NASB).” How powerful!
v.7-9 Gives us the specific text of Jonahs prayers of worship and repentance. His faith and trust has risen up before the Lord “into Thy holy temple” (v.7). He offers his thanksgiving and renews his vow (of obedience) to His Sovereign. Then He acknowledges that his salvation (deliverance) has come from Jehovah.
Note that his prayer is released from within the place of his apparent captivity (the fishes belly). His seeming entrapment has been converted into a sanctuary and his praises unto the Lord arises BEFORE HIS DELIVERANCE (see Isa.54:1 / Rom.8:28 / Phil.4:4-8).
This is a model of how God's plan and purpose can be fulfilled through someones acts of repentant worship for moving in disobedience to a call upon their life.
To refocus, please refer to the “working definitions” for repentance and for contrition.
It’s clear to see that Jonahs story provides us with a testimony of how both those precepts have done their work in a deep and profound way. But, that’s not the end of this story. There are two more chapters to consider.
I’d be doing an injustice to the Word by leaving the rest of the drama out. A comprehensive examination of Jonahs comings and goings requires that the ending be at least mentioned. Please read chapters 3&4.
Jonah did in fact repent and he went on to be the agent of change that God had appointed him to be. By doing so, the entire population of Nineveh received salvation through Jehovahs righteousness acts of lovingkindness (Jonah 3:6-10). However, a turn of events took place thereafter which makes the point of the story even more important to our own lives and times.
After such a glorious and dynamic set of events had taken place (revival) Jonah begins to “flesh out” by becoming quite the malcontent. His grumbling and complaining before the Lord are truly a sad testimony to how our own walk in the spirit can often become misguided. By becoming so carnal and self-centered after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost over the entire city Jonah exhibits traits of human fallenness which we all still struggle with to this day.
We are called as servants unto our Lord, Christ Jesus. It is our duty (our responsibility) to listen to and obey the Spirits leading in all matters.
In order to maintain the vitality & power of the Presence in our lives God has established the process of restoration for us in our fallen-temporal-condition. This “process” is laid out clearly for us in 1 John 1:6-10 in order to teach us that conviction leads us to confession, and then on to repentance in order that we may be restored, renewed, and re-established in our witness and ministry.
Selah (pause & consider)
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
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