wedgworship

Our Part in Inheriting God's Blessings

Professor Randy Pausch is dying of pancreatic cancer.  Beginning with Oprah, his “last lecture” has caught the attention of pop culture around the world.  Says Dr. Pausch, “I am flattered and embarassed by all the recent attention to my "Last Lecture." I am told that, including abridged versions, over six million people have viewed the lecture online.”  Indeed, he comes as close as any non-believer can in telling us how to live fully. 

Joshua 23 features the aging Joshua’s own admonition to the children of Israel.  Remind yourself: this is the man who led them the “final lap” into the full spiritual inheritance that was promised to the previous generations.  This is a big deal.  These are important words.

Joshua tells them to “be very courageous and steadfast to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning not aside from it to the right hand or the left.”  He warns them not to “mix with these nations that remain among you, or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them.”  Instead he instructs them to “cling to the Lord your God as you have done to this day. For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; and as for you, no man has been able to withstand you to this day. One man of you shall put to flight a thousand, for it is the Lord your God Who fights for you, as He promised you.”  To maintain and confirm that blessing,  “Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God.”

We have our own form of the “Promised Land”—not in a physical place but as participants in and inheritors of the Kingdom of God.  We have inherited every promise that He will confirm and guarantee blessings upon us if we adhere to these same things.  So let’s confirm the list:  (1) do all that is written in the law.  For us this includes the 10 Commandments as well as the “New Commandment” to love.  (2) don’t mix with nations—in other words, don’t embrace their values, standards and world view.  Think Christianly and you will act Christianly.  (3)  Cling to the Lord.  This word is loaded—one doesn’t “cling” to something that is only a convenience—you cling to things your life depends upon.  Secondly, if you “cling” to something, there is little room in your hands for anything else but that thing.  (4)  “Love the Lord.”  I don’t even pretend to know all that means, but I will endeavor to be watchful to learn it.

We have the promise of God’s “riches of Christ in glory.” (Philippians 4:19).  God has done all the “conquering” that needs to be accomplished.  Want to confirm that promise?  Discipline your heart and mind to this list.

Finishing a Confrontation Well

In Joshua 22 we read how 2 ½ tribes (the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—we’ll call them RGMs) were awarded their “land of rest” on the opposite banks of the Jordan from the others.  A misunderstanding arose about their motives in building an elaborate altar as they crossed the river Jordan.  Others assumed this meant they were rebelling against God.  The truth was the altar was intended to remind future generations of their allegiance to the One True God. 

Delegates were dispatched to the RGMs to hear their story and determine if war was necessary.  After all, to tolerate this sin would invite God’s judgment on the RGMs and all of Israel.  The delegates heard their explanation and accepted it.   This is instructive about how to “begin a confrontation.”  (See the previous blog).  To borrow a phrase from Paul Harvey, let’s look at “the rest of the story” because it is equally instructive.

First, we read in Joshua 22:33 “The report (of the delegates) pleased the Israelites and they blessed God; and they spoke no more of going to war.”   They celebrated their understanding and agreement as vigorously as they had pursued the confrontation.  When we engage in correction or confrontation, our job is not complete until we have achieved complete reconciliation and celebrated it.  If our goal was to stand for Truth and seek reconciliation, this should come pretty naturally—but rarely does.

Secondly, the people accepted the word of the delegates.  They didn’t feel a need to go “see for themselves.”  Americans don’t do well with this.  We think we need to know everything.  We don’t trust God’ ordained leaders, who Scripture tells us are “uniquely anointed” with discernment beyond our own.  We also feel we need to know the reason behind every decision when, in fact, it is often not our place.  This can lead to gossip and slander.

Perhaps it is “The Lord of the Rings” that ends with the quote, “Now we have come to the end of things...and find we are at the very beginning.” 

Finish a confrontation well and you will find you are, indeed, ready to move on and never look back. 

"Starting a Confrontation Well"

In my consulting work, a lot of my coaching amounts to “stating the obvious.”  (Perhaps it is the stuff that no one wants to say, and that’s why they pay me).  The premise of this blog may be obvious, but I think it is instructive: begin a conversation (or confrontation) well and you are more likely to finish it well.

In Joshua 22 we read how 2 ½ tribes (the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—we’ll call them RGMs) were awarded their “land of rest” on the opposite banks of the Jordan from the other tribes.  And as they prepared to cross the river, they erected a large and elaborate altar—not to use in actual worship, but as a perpetual reminder to themselves and future generations that there is One True God and He gives specific directives in how He is to be served and worshipped. 

Sight of this altar caused a stir in the other tribes.  They assumed that the RGMs were embracing other gods, and this would invite God’s judgment on them and all of Israel.  They appointed delegates to cross the river and confront the RGMs.  Meanwhile, they prepared for war—to wipe them out if necessary.

Upon confronting the RGMs, the delegates plainly told their concerns: if they were rebelling against God not only would they bring upon themselves His judgment but that judgment would also fall on all Israel.  Then, the delegates stopped and listened.  Immediately, the RGMs agree.  If that were so, they responded, you would be right to wipe us out.  But listen to our motive in building the altar.

Few of us like confrontation, perhaps because it is usually done poorly.  This story illustrates how the delegates, first, wanted to clarify the RGM’s motive behind the altar.  Instead of agreeing with all the folks “back home who were sharpening swords and spears,” while taking a stand for God’s Truth, they paused to hear a response before taking action.  The response of the RGMs is equally instructive.  They put aside the temptation to respond defensively, agreed with the delegates and repeated God’s Truth.   

When misunderstandings arise, our first instinct needs to be to defend God’s Truth (which is quite different than taking personal offense.)  This needs to be followed closely by beginning from a “bias of trust”—not distrust of our sister or brother.  In this case, both “sides” agreed.  There was never any real misunderstanding, but there could have been real war. 

Begin a conversation (or confrontation) well and you are more likely to finish it well.

Toward a "Mindset of Worship"

Joshua 21 gives the account of setting aside cities in the Promised Land for the Levite tribes and families. Levites were the Israelite tribe that produced priests.  Forty-eight cities, dispersed throughout the Land, were commissioned as Levite cities and developed into places of worship.  Undoubtedly, many of these cities had been settled by other Israelite families as the land was incrementally conquered.  The fact that many of these cities were peacefully “re-allocated and reassigned” from the original settlers (there is no mention of haggling or discord), and that these cities were dispersed throughout the land clearly underscores the priority of worship.  I think this is instructive for us as we consider our roles as Servant-Leaders and Lead Worshippers.

The Israelites appeared to freely relinquish these cities to the Levites.  Like most people, I like to think I am fairly generous in helping others.  But if I am totally honest, I have to confess there are things I withhold.  I will quickly loan you my tools, but please don’t ask to borrow my guitars.  I like to give gifts—money, books, music CDs, but I am becoming much stingier with my time. 

These places of worship were numerous and broadly dispersed.  To what extent to I seek out, anticipate and plan for worship—celebrating God and His goodness to the point it become instinctive, natural, and habitual? 

I had been thinking about this passage for a few days.  Then, one morning I fished a baby possum from our pool.  (Don’t get nervous.  It was quite drowned and thoroughly dead).  Evidently it had blown off a limb some time during the night. At a glance I saw how perfectly God had designed this creature’s paws for climbing around in its habitat.  Poor at swimming, but perfect for trees.  I thanked God for His wisdom.  (Somehow this didn’t translate when I tried to share this with the girls.)  But this is some of what I am talking about—getting past the limits of scheduled “God-time” in prayer and devotions in favor of an attitude and lifestyle of celebrating Him and His Presence.

So, how about you?  Like me, are there things you need to release for His use?  Are you hungry to make worship less about “something you do” and more about “who you are”?

Cities of Refuge: Places to Receive Grace

In Joshua 20, Joshua begins to implement God’s directive to establish “cities of refuge.”  These cities represented places where a person, who accidentally killed someone, could tell their story to the elders at the city gates and potentially gain refuge from any pursuing avengers.  Later they were “tried” before the congregation.  If they were found innocent, they were to remain in the city until the death of the current High Priest. After that they were free to return home.  Cities of refuge were available to Israelites as well as “sojourners among them.”  These cities were dispersed up and down the Promised Land-side banks of the Jordan, making them equally accessible to people throughout the land.

These were not places for guilty, hate-driven murderers to get a “free pass.”  These cities were for repentant people who had accidental “blood on their hands.”  And gaining refuge was just the beginning of the protocol; after a trial those found guilty by the congregation were turned out.  Those found innocent still had to remain in the city until after the death of the High Priest.  In so doing, some penance was paid and any bitter avengers gained a “cooling off period.”

We could discuss how “cities of refuge” are a representation of the grace of Christ in the Old Testament.  We could discuss how our churches and fellowship succeed and fail as places of grace.  Instead, let’s bring it down to a level where we can be held personally accountable.  In what ways do I create an atmosphere of welcoming grace in my home, office and other places I control/influence?  Sin is sin.  Truth is Truth.  But without hedging on that Truth, am I characterized as “graceful”?  Humble?  Ready to forgive or restore?  Am I accessible to people of varying backgrounds, or do “filter out” those I “don’t feel called to” reach?

The recent book “Unchristian” describes the biases church “outsiders” have about church “insiders.”  It is a tough book because it is all too true of the church—it is all too true about me.  Much of our language, behavior and customs are exclusive and offensive to visitors.  Am I taking active steps to eliminate those encumbrances to people around me?...or do I require people to simply “meet me where I am” (in my comfort zone)?  As a Lead Worshipper, are there ways I can help foster my fellowship as a place of refuge and grace?

What do you think?

On "Consulting the Lord"

Joshua 9 tells the story of poorly-dressed, frayed and frazzled ambassadors who came to Joshua “From a very far country your servants have come because of the name of the Lord your God. For we have heard the fame of Him, and all that He did in Egypt.”  These men were actually sent out by an assortment of pagan kings.  Part of their story was indeed true: they had heard of Israel’s God.  However, everything else was a deception.  Fearing their countries would be overrun, they were sent to finagle a peace treaty.  By dressing poorly and offering moldy bread and old bitter wine—food they claimed was their best, they played on Joshua’s sympathy.  By offering themselves as slaves, they played on Joshua’s greed.

 

Verse 14 is a key verse:  “So the [Israelite] men partook of their food and did not consult the Lord. Joshua made peace with them, covenanting with them to let them live, and the assembly's leaders swore to them.” They (Joshua and the children of Israel) “did not consult the Lord.”  Whenever the Israelites “lived among” the enemy it led to seasons of defeat the personal destruction.

Trusting your own judgment without consulting the Lord?  You are asking for trouble.  Within our own judgment we are vulnerable to emotions (like our sympathies) which can be hijacked, and our flesh nature which can play on things like greed and lust.  Remember also: within his messages of temptation, Satan is not obligated to tell the truth.  In fact, his most effective temptations have enough accuracy to “seem believable.”

Pray without ceasing.  Consult the Lord.  He will reveal cleverly-packaged messages designed to lead you into compromise (which is itself, sin).  He will reveal “the enemy you have allowed to dwell among you” compelling you to confess and ask for cleansing.  This will free you up to follow Him without encumbrance, and make you more useful as a Lead Worshipper.

Does this spark anything in you?

A “Mile of Faith” based on a “Mustard Seed of Information”

Joshua 2 tells how Rahab (the former prostitute) protected the Israeli spies that had been sent into Jericho.  When the king heard that there are spies in the city, Rahab is interrogated and covers (lies) in order to protect the spies.  Rahab had heard stories of the Israeli God, the One who had dried up the Red Sea and delivered them from Egyptian bondage, the One who had given the Israelites victory over the Amorites on the east side of the Jordan.  As she speaks with the spies she refers to this God as “Lord.”  Rahab risked her very life on the reputation of this God Who she had only heard about third-hand.  This brief story offers two things for Believers and Lead Worshippers to consider.

                                                                                        

First, like it or not, God tells His story through the lives of His people.  Someone recently said to me, only 1 out of 100 non-believers will read the Bible—the rest will read Christians.  We are always being watched, and our faithfulness can be used by our Lord to draw people to Himself.  This is not an invitation to become artificial.  Instead, this is an invitation to daily invite our Lord to “shine through us—despite ourselves.”

 

Secondly, if Rahab was willing to risk her life on the little she knew of God how much more should we be willing to risk—those of us who have been fed Bible teaching for much of our lives? Even Rahab’s former, checkered past was not an excuse for her not stepping forward in faith.  It seems like her “mustard seed of information” was transformed into a wealth of faith.  And how does her faith stack up?  It was sufficient to be recorded in Matthew 1’s genealogy that tells how we got the Messiah, and in Hebrews 11’s “Faith Hall of Fame.”

How does God show through a Lead Worshipper?  Read to place exercise some aggressive faith on the wealth of blessings you have been given, and the reality of a personal relationship through Jesus?  Give me your thoughts.

Blessing within Obedience

Most of us (me included) are big on grace.  We love to rest in the thoughts that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen us and adopted as daughters and sons.  We like the concept that once confessed and repented of, our sins are removed “as far as the east is from the west.”  We like it that our names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life and Jesus will, one day, present us blameless before the Father.  And we should.  These are all great Truths rooted in promises.

The book of Joshua records how God fulfills His pledge to Israel by bringing them into the Promised Land.  However, in the opening chapter of Joshua, we see a clear connection between “new” promises and “old” standards.  The Israelites were admonished not to depart from The Law—in fact, they were to meditate in it day and night so deeply that it governed all speech and action.  At that point they would also receive guidance leading them into the land of their dreams.  In both cases (old standards and new guidance) they were not to “take an errant step to the left or the right.”  Absolute obedience paved the way to blessing. It is clear the people understood this charge because they added their own punch line: and departure to the right or left will be punishable by death.

Two simple truths: New guidance always comports with old standards. (New “revelation” is better termed “new understanding.”) God never contradicts Himself.  Not hearing guidance clearly? Camp out on the “pieces of obedience” you already know (for instance the 10 Commandments or the “new” first Commandment to love) until your next steps become clear. 

Secondly, you’ve heard it said, “You shouldn’t expect to live like hell and still get heaven.” We’ll reserve a debate on eternal security for another day.  What I do want to confirm is to anticipate spiritual blessings in the context of obedience.  In Psalm 1 David used the same words of “meditating on the law day and night” saying that you would be like a tree planted by fresh water and that you would bear fruit.  Want blessing?  Obey His commands.

While sin carries a consequence, obedience carries a blessing.

The Great Commission for Dummies (Like me)

The Great Commission was a directive resurrection to the disciples, given by Jesus after His.  It was not a request.  It was a command.  It came in the context of His final and ultimate triumph—atonement for sin (overcoming spiritual death) and the resurrection (overcoming physical death—confirming His authority over all things).  The Great Commission was given to people we can identify with—people with conspicuous failures and shortcomings.

What does any of this have to do with Lead Worshippers?

We can fulfill the command by our words (being ready at all times to proclaim the Gospel) as well as in our actions as we model Christ-like behavior.  However, as a Lead Worshipper, I can come up with any number of excuses to not be proactive in this command.  (1) I am already busy—spending hours in preparation for my under-the-roof-of-the-church ministry, (2) I share Christ every time I play and sing...or at least I hope I do—isn’t that sufficient?  (3) I am much more comfortable expressing my faith musically—Jesus doesn’t really expect me to use my “out loud voice” in the public setting, does He?  It may seem ridiculous, but, can’t lost people just come over and listen to me play?

The reality is as Christ-ones we are never “off the clock.”  And, while the Holy Spirit imparts to us particular gifts, He often asks us to step out beyond those gifts so that (1) He will empower us, and (2) Jesus will get all the glory.

So how are you doing?  Are you ready at all times?  When’s the last time you “stepped out” in obedience and witnessed a miracle?

On “Thankfulness”

When I hear someone say something like, “I really liked what you had to say,” I am tempted to ask, “What was your favorite part?” Other than being a little arrogant—okay a lot arrogant—I’m skeptical they could muster a specific answer.  These days, it seems so seldom to hear a genuine “thank you” that, when I hear something like that, I doubt its validity.

This past week, as we read the 23^rd Psalm, I was struck with the synergy of “praise” and “thanksgiving.”  We are compelled to “praise” God for His attributes and His character.  We are compelled to offer “thanksgiving” for what He has done; including personal blessings we have received.  God’s character is eternal and constant.  Neither my words nor my actions will ever change who He is. However, “thanksgiving” gives evidence to and validates our praise.  Cultivating a heart of thanks and gratefulness gives our worship substance and depth.

Just how thankful am I?  Many times before I have even started the car to drive home from church, my focus has shifted from wonder of God and His attributes to my own needs…my own half-full glass. How many times has God given a victory and answered prayer and, without celebrating that, I am on to prayer-nagging Him about the next issue.  “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”  As my Shepherd, even in the middle of the wildest struggle, with the adversary close at hand, He is meeting my needs….moreover “My [brimming] cup runs over.” 

You say “God is great?” Okay then, what’s your favorite part?

Tom Kemner