Many years ago, I read an interview with the brilliant film director Alfred Hitchcock. He was known for his ability to sustain suspense for almost an entire movie. He made many classic movies like “Psycho”, “North by Northwest”, “The Birds”, “Vertigo”, “Rear Window” and more. (He did this by the way, without gore or overt sexuality). In this discussion Hitchcock was asked about the secret of creating the amazing level of suspense found in many of his movies. Although I can't recall his exact words, the illustration he gave was unforgettable. He described an ordinary scene in a diner where a couple is sharing a meal. In the course of their sitting, eating and talking, they make a discovery. Under the table is a bomb timed to go off while they are eating. The couple alerts the other diners and they all flee to safety. “That is how most directors would show the scene” said Hitchcock. “Here is how I would do it.” Same diner, same couple, except that the audience knows that there is a bomb while the couple does not. Changing perspective back and forth from the couple and other unsuspecting diners and then back the bomb ticking away. “That” said Hitchcock, “is suspense.” I'm sure he's right. Unwittingly being surprised by something (good or bad) is not excruciatingly stressful, however, waiting for something you know is going to happen, that is really difficult.
Suspense can be a hard thing to endure. While disappointment is that state of mind in which we DON'T get what we expect, the waiting is the hardest part. I remember once being in a car with my older brother when we were both teenagers. There was some sort of road block on the highway and we were last in a line of cars waiting our turn to move forward through the one open lane. Coincidentally, where we were parked was just beyond a blind hill on the road. As we waited, we heard the sound of screeching tires and I looked back to see a Cadillac sliding toward our rear bumper. I turned to see what my brother was doing behind the wheel, sure he would know what to do. He simply scrunched his shoulders up and squinted his eyes. At that moment, this feeling of helplessness washed over me(all of this took maybe one second) and I realized that this was happening, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Ever get that feeling? Something is coming at you(whether good or bad) and you can neither stop it nor speed it up. The bible is rife with examples of folks who had to wait. I think of Abraham having to wait on God's promised son. We have the Arabic people with us due to his inability to deal with the suspense. How about David? David was promised to be made the King of Israel, yet he had to wait upon God's method, and God's time. David handled the suspense of Saul's chasing him by fleeing out of God's will into Philistine territory. He did keep from taking Saul's life on two occasions and not only so, David was made King of Judah for over seven years before all Israel accepted him. Talk about suspense! What is keeping you on pins and needles?
Hebrews 11:13 says this “ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. “ Remember the story of my brother and me? Well, the car behind us slid to a stop a couple of feet behind us. Just like that, most of those bad things which capture our hearts and minds in suspense and fear DON'T HAPPEN. Even the best things promised to the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 weren't fulfilled on earth.
As a child, I remember the unfettered anxiety of Christmas Eve. Waiting on those things which I circled in the Sears “Wishbook.” I would be thinking about fanciful gifts and the unearthly fun and satisfaction that would be mine. There are things I would like to accomplish in my life, things which I can't do without God's help and open doors. I see the sand in the hourglass running down and I feel the anxiety rising in my heart. Lord, I want to do this or that. Lord I want to see this one or that one saved.You get the idea. I'm sure you feel the same way.How about that rapture promise? That'd be one I'd like to see...
The words to an old song come to mind :
“They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount upon the wings of an eagle
They shall run and not faint
They shall walk and not faint
Teach me Lord,
Teach me Lord, how to wait"
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Voice of God Continued
In the last article for this site, we looked at several streams of thought concerning the voice of God. While listening to a message by Dr. J. Vernon McGee, I was reminded of the uniqueness of my Lord one more time. Dr. McGee was discussing the fact that while Jesus used different "techniques" to heal the blind, He always used His voice to call to life those who were dead. What a concept! He raised a young girl ("little lamb, wake up" Mark 5:41) gently. He raised a young man more firmly ("young man, awake" Luke 7:14). The third example is the most familiar. In John Chapter 11, Lazarus is dead, Jesus is several days journey away. In this instance, Lazarus is sealed inside a tomb. "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11:43. "
As Dr. Charles Stevens used to say, "everyone has an unique experience, even though they all are based on the same thing." There is an interesting thread to this "Voice of God" path. Jesus spoke to the dead and they responded. This is the same voice that I heard one day. He called me and I responded, though dead. I don't remember all the things He said to me, but I clearly recall His voice, not audible, but tangible.
Not only is that true, but one day I will hear His voice again. "1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout..." Dr. McGee made the statement that the shout will be Him calling each of the dead by name to "wake up." I look forward to hearing that voice once again! Even so come Lord Jesus!!
As Dr. Charles Stevens used to say, "everyone has an unique experience, even though they all are based on the same thing." There is an interesting thread to this "Voice of God" path. Jesus spoke to the dead and they responded. This is the same voice that I heard one day. He called me and I responded, though dead. I don't remember all the things He said to me, but I clearly recall His voice, not audible, but tangible.
Not only is that true, but one day I will hear His voice again. "1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout..." Dr. McGee made the statement that the shout will be Him calling each of the dead by name to "wake up." I look forward to hearing that voice once again! Even so come Lord Jesus!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Voice of God
It occurred to me the other day that there are numerous biblical references to the voice of God. Perhaps you've had that experience where a familiar concept suddenly seems foreign in a different context or presentation, this was one of those times. There was the sound of God's voice which spoke the worlds into existence ( Gen. 1:1, Heb. 11:3 ). There was the sound of His voice walking in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve's fall ( Gen. 3:8 ). He spoke to a Syrian named Abraham and made him an offer he couldn't refuse (Gen. 12:1). This same voice spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Ex. 3:4). This subtle sound soothed the jangled nerves of the prophet Elijah in the cave (I Kings 19:12). According to Psalm 19 this voice goes out into the entire earth as the sounding out of truth into the hearts of men. In firm resolve this voice both rebuked and defended the man of integrity, Job (37:5 ).
Is there any wonder then that when this voice became localized in a body, that those listening said “Never man spake like this man...”(John 7:46). What must it have been like to actually hear with the ear what we've already heard with the heart? Those listening to the Lord Jesus Christ were amazed at His ability to not side step an issue and still defeat the purposes of those questioning Him. Time after time He spoke to those most in need and they heard the love of God, from God Himself.
As one of the disciples, the Apostle John heard Him speak many times. As one of the inner circle, He leaned on His breast and felt the reverberations of this voice as it moved through the air. Even so, when John heard that voice on the Isle of Patmos, there was a new dimension added. Not only was there a physical transformation from the familiar physique which he knew before, but there was something else which John says that is significant. "...and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Oh, the majesty; oh, the glory of this scene! Since the nature of the scene is much more revealing than the fleshly life of Christ allowed, it must then be assumed that the majesty and authority of Christ is completely unveiled in this description of His voice.
All this being true, it is the more amazing, that when I am curled up in an emotional ball in the corner of my mind, that voice is the one who coaxes me out and assures me that all will be well even if it isn't well right now. It is His loving and quiet voice which soothes my fevered brow and talks me down off of that spiritual ledge I'm perched on. It is the same person with a voice like “many waters”.
Even so, it is all the more amazing that I don't always obey Him. How can this be? Though He also has a voice which can change the course of human history with a few well placed syllables I still struggle to obey this majestic voice. Is it my hearing, or my listening? As we say in the south I am not “minding” Him, even though I hear His voice. Anyone identify with my amazement?
Is there any wonder then that when this voice became localized in a body, that those listening said “Never man spake like this man...”(John 7:46). What must it have been like to actually hear with the ear what we've already heard with the heart? Those listening to the Lord Jesus Christ were amazed at His ability to not side step an issue and still defeat the purposes of those questioning Him. Time after time He spoke to those most in need and they heard the love of God, from God Himself.
As one of the disciples, the Apostle John heard Him speak many times. As one of the inner circle, He leaned on His breast and felt the reverberations of this voice as it moved through the air. Even so, when John heard that voice on the Isle of Patmos, there was a new dimension added. Not only was there a physical transformation from the familiar physique which he knew before, but there was something else which John says that is significant. "...and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Oh, the majesty; oh, the glory of this scene! Since the nature of the scene is much more revealing than the fleshly life of Christ allowed, it must then be assumed that the majesty and authority of Christ is completely unveiled in this description of His voice.
All this being true, it is the more amazing, that when I am curled up in an emotional ball in the corner of my mind, that voice is the one who coaxes me out and assures me that all will be well even if it isn't well right now. It is His loving and quiet voice which soothes my fevered brow and talks me down off of that spiritual ledge I'm perched on. It is the same person with a voice like “many waters”.
Even so, it is all the more amazing that I don't always obey Him. How can this be? Though He also has a voice which can change the course of human history with a few well placed syllables I still struggle to obey this majestic voice. Is it my hearing, or my listening? As we say in the south I am not “minding” Him, even though I hear His voice. Anyone identify with my amazement?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thinking versus Being
During our journey through I Samuel in our Sunday School class, we stumbled upon a very intense moment in Chapter 26. David runs from Saul and on several occasions they have been extremely close and even met face to face once. David's feelings of betrayal and abandonment by his father in law drove him to desperate measures in this setting when Saul once again drew near to him in the wilderness. He enlists a volunteer (Abishai, a relative of Joab) to go with him down to the camp to talk to Saul and persuade him to break off his needless pursuit.
Upon arriving at Saul's camp, they discover that all of the members of Saul's army are deeply asleep; so much so that their approach to Saul is completely undetected. Abishai spots this situation as an opportunity for David to gain the redemption and relief which his friend so badly needs and deserves. 1Sam. 26:8 “ Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. “ Abishai had pure motives: To free David of the anguish he was in and to complete the known will of God for his life. There is one problem which David quickly points out to his mis-guided friend, Saul is alive because God has willed him to be. How often do we as God's people mistake circumstances for providence? Too often Christians believe in a mystical almost pagan system of cause and effect relating to circumstances which taints the dignity the deity. We have such a limited perspective on God's workings that we can not begin to know the significance of events from our little corner of the universe.
The problem with human kind is that we are so variable in our thinking from moment to moment. Empathy for David caused Abishai to forget God's command against murder. It is like that change of mind we have at midnight while staring down that last hunk of cheesecake, our priorities shuffle depending on our momentary felt “needs.” Perhaps this “in the moment” thinking explains the disconnect between what we know to be true (based on God's word) and how we actually live.
Another mistake that this passage brings to mind is that we often try to interpret God's intentions based upon a negative view of ourselves and not God's word. How many times have we bemoaned the trial we are facing by asking “what did I do to deserve this?” Some even assign specific failures in their past as the cause of current troubles.
Both of these approaches do injustice to God and His Word. They both assume a perspective of wisdom and knowledge unattainable by any human being. Can we presume to know what God is accomplishing by any tragic event anywhere in the world? We can only depend upon two certain facts: One- God is Sovereign and in control of events according to His pleasure. Two- God is all good and wills that all things work to the good of those who are His in Christ. Knowing these two facts relieves us of guilt for the past, and provides us comfort as we make the tough decisions of the Christian life. We may not like where we are, like David, but like him, we must do the right thing based upon God's Word and not how we feel about it at the moment. “It appears that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right”--A.W. Tozer
Upon arriving at Saul's camp, they discover that all of the members of Saul's army are deeply asleep; so much so that their approach to Saul is completely undetected. Abishai spots this situation as an opportunity for David to gain the redemption and relief which his friend so badly needs and deserves. 1Sam. 26:8 “ Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. “ Abishai had pure motives: To free David of the anguish he was in and to complete the known will of God for his life. There is one problem which David quickly points out to his mis-guided friend, Saul is alive because God has willed him to be. How often do we as God's people mistake circumstances for providence? Too often Christians believe in a mystical almost pagan system of cause and effect relating to circumstances which taints the dignity the deity. We have such a limited perspective on God's workings that we can not begin to know the significance of events from our little corner of the universe.
The problem with human kind is that we are so variable in our thinking from moment to moment. Empathy for David caused Abishai to forget God's command against murder. It is like that change of mind we have at midnight while staring down that last hunk of cheesecake, our priorities shuffle depending on our momentary felt “needs.” Perhaps this “in the moment” thinking explains the disconnect between what we know to be true (based on God's word) and how we actually live.
Another mistake that this passage brings to mind is that we often try to interpret God's intentions based upon a negative view of ourselves and not God's word. How many times have we bemoaned the trial we are facing by asking “what did I do to deserve this?” Some even assign specific failures in their past as the cause of current troubles.
Both of these approaches do injustice to God and His Word. They both assume a perspective of wisdom and knowledge unattainable by any human being. Can we presume to know what God is accomplishing by any tragic event anywhere in the world? We can only depend upon two certain facts: One- God is Sovereign and in control of events according to His pleasure. Two- God is all good and wills that all things work to the good of those who are His in Christ. Knowing these two facts relieves us of guilt for the past, and provides us comfort as we make the tough decisions of the Christian life. We may not like where we are, like David, but like him, we must do the right thing based upon God's Word and not how we feel about it at the moment. “It appears that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right”--A.W. Tozer
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Blessed Man
Familiar scriptures are often difficult to read without the imprint of past sermons or lessons over shadowing the eternal truths found there. Once in a while though, the Spirit breathes new life and the bones begin to revive. Anyone who has been a Christian for more than a few years knows what I'm talking about here. Today I had the experience of rereading Psalm One when I realized an aspect of this passage which hadn't been obvious to me at first blush.
We all know the progression of “walk”, “stand”, “sit” in the first section of the Psalm. This is the most popular lesson taught from these verses in the recent past. One of the obscure points that presents itself however is beyond the “Blessed Man” and his walk. The mention of the ungodly person and their characteristics takes up most of the verses in the entire passage. First, they are the shining example of what the “Blessed Man” was NOT to be. Keeping company (having fellowship is implied) with them is a sign of agreement with them. “Walking” in their “way” is a sure method for disaster. The Psalmist then mentions that the blessings promised to the “Blessed Man” are not for the “ungodly.” Their destiny is to be blown away like the dry chaff after threshing.
What do we learn from this? I am reminded by this, that I am surrounded constantly by those whom I should not emulate, nor aspire to imitate in any way. I must resist their enticements, and yet not withhold my compassion. I should be able to interact with them without being overwhelmed by how God views their lifestyles. It is difficult to try to show true respect to someone who doesn't respect themselves let alone those around them regardless of relationship. These same folks are destined for destruction, bound by deception and can't imagine what is ahead for them.
What should I understand from this? That brings us back to the “Blessed Man.” What is the source of his strength? The recurring theme here is the Word of God. He meditates in it day and night, he is like a tree planted by irrigation ditches (one interpretation of the streams of water) fed by the Spirit via His Word. In my last post I referenced Isa. 55:8. Because my thoughts are not His thoughts, I need daily infusions of His wisdom, His perspective and His guidance to keep me in His "way". I am grounded by His leading and imprinted by His manner of looking at things. I should not be looking at the culture or celebrities to know how to live this year. I should only be looking at His Word to help me avoid the influence of the "Chaff." I am humbled that I was once "only fit for the burning" but now I am his crown of rejoicing.(cf Eph. 2:5-7)
We all know the progression of “walk”, “stand”, “sit” in the first section of the Psalm. This is the most popular lesson taught from these verses in the recent past. One of the obscure points that presents itself however is beyond the “Blessed Man” and his walk. The mention of the ungodly person and their characteristics takes up most of the verses in the entire passage. First, they are the shining example of what the “Blessed Man” was NOT to be. Keeping company (having fellowship is implied) with them is a sign of agreement with them. “Walking” in their “way” is a sure method for disaster. The Psalmist then mentions that the blessings promised to the “Blessed Man” are not for the “ungodly.” Their destiny is to be blown away like the dry chaff after threshing.
What do we learn from this? I am reminded by this, that I am surrounded constantly by those whom I should not emulate, nor aspire to imitate in any way. I must resist their enticements, and yet not withhold my compassion. I should be able to interact with them without being overwhelmed by how God views their lifestyles. It is difficult to try to show true respect to someone who doesn't respect themselves let alone those around them regardless of relationship. These same folks are destined for destruction, bound by deception and can't imagine what is ahead for them.
What should I understand from this? That brings us back to the “Blessed Man.” What is the source of his strength? The recurring theme here is the Word of God. He meditates in it day and night, he is like a tree planted by irrigation ditches (one interpretation of the streams of water) fed by the Spirit via His Word. In my last post I referenced Isa. 55:8. Because my thoughts are not His thoughts, I need daily infusions of His wisdom, His perspective and His guidance to keep me in His "way". I am grounded by His leading and imprinted by His manner of looking at things. I should not be looking at the culture or celebrities to know how to live this year. I should only be looking at His Word to help me avoid the influence of the "Chaff." I am humbled that I was once "only fit for the burning" but now I am his crown of rejoicing.(cf Eph. 2:5-7)
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