Heading to Heaven!

Majestic and Magnificent

April 15, 2023 dbirsch

It’s springtime, so there’s a few more days in Western Washington with clear skies. Which means Mt. Rainier is visible again more often. Here’s a post I wrote several years ago about this stunning creation of God … and about the astonishing God who created it.

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It’s 14,410 feet of majesty and magnificence. On a clear day in the Puget Sound, it isn’t just visible; it’s prominent. In fact, it dominates the skyline!

Situated just 40 miles Southeast of my current home in Tacoma, Mount Rainier often appears as a giant hologram … startlingly vivid but technologically created. Only it’s not. It’s absolutely real!

Also referred to as Mount Tahoma, it certainly isn’t the highest mountain in the world. At least 16 other mounts are supposedly taller … some by only the smidge of a few feet. Nevertheless, Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State and the Cascade Range, and as inspiring a mountain as can be found anywhere.

The reason for its impressiveness is due to what scientists call “topographic prominence,” or how far a mountain extrudes from the surface around it. In fact, of the 128 “ultra-prominent mountain peaks” in the United States, Mount Rainier is ranked third! It has a topographic prominence of 13,210 feet. Majestic and magnificent indeed!

Tahoma is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. Its 26 major glaciers and 36 square miles of permanent snow and ice add to the mountain’s striking view year-round. These glaciers spawn five sizable rivers: the Cowlitz, Carbon, Mowich, Nisqually and Puyallup.

But far under the cold and beautiful ice rages fiery lava. Rainier is an active volcano. While it hasn’t produced a major eruption in about 500 years, it is the source of frequent seismic activity (earthquakes). There is a high probability of future eruptions, making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It’s sheer size, towering over 3-plus million people, as well as the significant mantle of ice adorning it, could result in massive lahars devastating huge swaths of populated countryside. Not only is Mount Rainier majestic and magnificent, it is daunting and intimidating as well!

I’ve often thought that Mount Rainier is an apt symbol of the Lord.

The state of Washington is blessed with not just multiple volcanoes and multiple mountains; it’s blessed with multiple mountain ranges! But none of the other many mountains can compare with Tahoma. It clearly rises above all the rest. As does our God. There are many other “gods,” but none can compete with the Lord. He stands above all. He stands alone.

Interestingly, there are actually three peaks atop the mountain: Columbia Crest, Point Success, and Liberty Cap. The Bible describes the One-and-Only-God as comprising three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One mountain yet three peaks; one God yet three persons. Certainly not a perfect illustration, but fascinating nonetheless.

There is no denying the hidden danger and potential ferocity of the volcano that is Mount Rainier. It can surely bring destruction. So too can the God of the Bible. There is nothing more lethal than the Lord. To ignore Him or reject Him inevitably leads to ruination.

Tahoma is gorgeous – striking to the eyes and stirring to the emotions! But there is nothing more beautiful than our God in all his glory. Nothing in all of creation, not even the shimmering angels, can compare. Yet God’s greatest beauty, his ultimate glory, resides in the fact that he saved sinners. God’s grace demonstrated by God himself taking our place and dying our death, is an act of unspeakable loveliness … and love. It stirs our souls and pours joy into our hearts.

Just as Mount Rainier often appears to “float” on the horizon … suggesting an unreal presence, so the Lord can seem distant and unattached to our reality as well. But just as Rainier actually exists, our God is also “Fact,” and intimately connected to us. He is real, and really engaged in our lives.

On the rare non-overcast days in the Fall through Spring in Western Washington, the locals often state jubilantly, “The Mountain is out!” Of course, “The Mountain” is always there, whether the weather allows us to see it or not. And so it is with our God. Even when we can’t lay our eyes upon Him, the Lord is still with us. Then there are those times where God’s presence, providence and protection are obvious, and we exclaim, “The Lord is here!”

When my aunt was in Washington for my ordination, she nicknamed Mt. Rainier the “Silent Intruder.” A person can be lost in thought driving or walking, just minding their own business, when suddenly Rainier pops into view and takes one’s breath away. If we are looking through the eyes of faith, God does that often! We recognize God’s appearances and activity repeatedly in our day-to-day lives. He frequently leaves us in awe. We certainly experience that when we focus our eyes on the cross. And then again on our Savior’s empty tomb! Breathtaking indeed!

“This is what the LORD says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? … Do not tremble, do not be afraid. … Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one” (Isaiah 44:6-8).

Mount Rainier is undeniably majestic and magnificent. But the mountain doesn’t even come close to the majesty and magnificence of the Lord, our Rock and Redeemer!

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I Killed Him. But Not for Long!

April 8, 2023 dbirsch

I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t believe me. In fact, anyone who does believe me will undoubtedly be regarded as a fool. Nevertheless, what I’m about to share is absolutely true, and greater the fool who does not believe it … as unbelievable as my words may sound.

My name is Justus. I’m a Roman centurion assigned to Governor Pilate’s detachment in Judea. I happened to have the unfortunate fate of overseeing the killing of the Son of God.

I didn’t do it in battle or out of any animosity toward him. I was just following orders. (And, it seems, God’s plan.)

When Jesus was first brought to the governor, he was already badly beaten. Clearly the temple guard had abused him before bringing him to Pilate. I had a close-up view because it happened to be my day to personally guard Pilate, along with another centurion named Valerius. (There are always two experienced soldiers flanking the governor, with extra legionnaires lounging out of sight nearby ready to respond should any threat show itself.)

My first impression of Jesus was striking.

I’ve seen many criminals and accused criminals in my day, and they are all the same. They always protest their innocence. Either arrogantly or fearfully – but always aggressively! Jesus. however, didn’t say a word!

The chief priests and Jewish leaders were vehemently accusing Jesus of subverting the people, and any number of other crimes. They wanted Jesus dead. (It’s hard for me to imagine spiritual leaders so set on taking someone’s life; it doesn’t seem godly to me. Nevertheless, I heard it with my own ears.)

Meanwhile, Jesus calmly and regally stood before the man who could condemn him to death, silent and unflinching. Which seemed to infuriate his enemies even more and foster the flinging of more charges.

Governor Pilate was clearly astonished that Jesus would make no defense for himself – even when asked or demanded. I was astonished too! Clearly, this was no ordinary man.

When in Jerusalem, Pilate resided in Herod the Great’s palace on the western end of the upper city. Of course, the governor was in town during the Passover Festival should any unexpected excitement arise. We initially met the crowd bringing Jesus on the pavement outside the palace. (The people didn’t want to enter the palace and be “defiled” for the festival.)

After hearing the Jewish leaders’ accusations, Pontius Pilate motioned for Valerius and myself to escort Jesus away from the throng. Pilate wanted to withdrew from the clamor and speak with Jesus privately, so we climbed the steps into the Praetorium.

While attending the governor, we are trained to focus on the surroundings and protect from potential threats. And we do that well. But when in such close proximity to the man, it is impossible not to hear things. Important things. Life-changing things.

That momentous morning I overheard a number of remarkable things.

First, the governor’s wife sent an urgent message to him … actually interrupting the proceedings, which is unprecedented. Her message was stunning. “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” At hearing this, Pilate’s eyes grew wide. He was momentarily taken aback and hesitated to proceed.

But when he did, I heard another remarkable statement. The governor asked Jesus if he was a king as the people claimed. Jesus actually answered this question! He acknowledged he was indeed a king, but said “My kingdom is not of this world.” Again, Pilate’s world was rocked. This was a ridiculous claim, but Jesus was absolutely sincere. And he was clearly not unhinged.

“You are a king, then!” exclaimed Pilate.

Jesus answered, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

To which the frustrated and cynical governor replied, “What is truth?”

Jesus turned his gaze to me and said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Something stirred in me, and I knew in my soul it was true.

As for Pilate, remember that it was commonly believed by the Romans that the gods visited the earth in human form. The governor wasn’t an overly religious man, but he was superstitious enough to not want to press his luck. Once Jesus stated that his kingdom wasn’t in this world, the governor was determined to release him.

When he suggested this to the Jews, they demanded crucifixion. In an attempt to appease their bloodlust, he reluctantly had Jesus flogged.

I was thankful that I was guarding the governor that morning and had to remain by his side. I wanted no part of hurting Jesus, who was clearly guilty of nothing more than inflaming the jealousy of the Jewish spiritual leaders. My comrades, however, took particular delight in torturing Jesus even beyond the flaying of his back and legs with the scourge. Even from a distance, we could hear their boisterous revelry at Jesus’ expense.

Pilate was clearly shaken.

When they finally brought the bleeding prisoner back to the hall, it was obvious they had been more brutal with him than most. Jesus was a mess. He was wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe … the material thoroughly saturated with the blood from his wounds. I’m a hardened soldier who has seen a lot, but my heart went out to him.

Pilate led the blood-covered and stumbling Jesus out to the crowd, hoping now for the opportunity to release him. But the people refused, screaming, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Pilate replied that he found no basis for such a sentence. That’s when the chief priests informed the governor that the reason they demanded capital punishment was because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God.

When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid. It seemed to align with Jesus’ own words spoken to him a short time before. Once more he retreated into the hall to question Jesus … asking him where he came from. When Jesus refused to answer, Pilate said, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

Then I heard another one of those mind-blowing statements. Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Upon hearing this, Pilate was doubly determined to free Jesus. However, the uproar from the nationals increased, and finally the governor had to acquiesce; he couldn’t afford to have a riot break out. And especially with so many visitors in the city. With halting voice, he sentenced Jesus to crucifixion. The mob roared.

Pulling Valerius and myself close, the trembling Pilate ordered us to accompany Jesus to the crucifixion and oversee it. “You have seen and heard. Try to show him some compassion. And may the gods have mercy on me.”

The crucifixion process for Jesus was unremarkable, other than that he didn’t fight or protest and beg as the nails were about to be driven through his body. He passively endured them. (Or at least, as passively as the excruciating pain they caused would allow.) To not make any resistance, either verbally or physically, was definitely unusual.

The events that occurred shortly thereafter were even more unusual.

After we had nailed him to the cross and raised him up, I heard something I have never heard from any crucified person before or since. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He was staring at me as he spoke. I admit it; this rattled me. Why did he keep looking at me like that?

Then another unprecedented event occurred. At noon, the sun quite shining. It didn’t just dim a bit, but darkened completely! This lack of light didn’t occur only over Jerusalem, but over the entire land! It was like midnight under a heavy cloud cover with no moonlight. It was beyond eerie; it was downright terrifying!

There was widespread panic in the city. Many were certain the world was ending. Wailing arose along with shouted prayers to Jahweh to have mercy and restore the light. Clearly this was no eclipse; the utter blackness lasted three hours!

Regardless of the unprecedented events, Valerius and I had to hold our posts and continue to be diligent in monitoring our soldiers and the condemned. Amazingly, even during that dark and unsettling time, the mocking and ridicule of Jesus continued … from his enemies, from some of my soldiers, and even from one of the men crucified with Jesus. But the other condemned man rebuked him, and then made a remarkable request. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus’ reply was stunning. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

What? How could Jesus say this? How could he know the time of their death, and especially their destination afterward? It could take days to die by crucifixion. And no one really knew anything about the afterlife. Yet Jesus seemed certain on both. Who was this man?

But shortly afterward Jesus shouted out and died. That’s when things became really interesting!

In the darkness, a heavy rumble arose from the earth, and the ground began rolling and shaking. Increasingly panicked cries rose from all around as people became more convinced that all was ending. The cross holding Jesus’ mocker tilted askew, and the man cried out in pain as his body pulled against the nails. Jesus’ jeering opponents beneath him were toppled painfully to the ground. Explosive cracks sounded in the vicinity as rock formations split.

A terrified Valerius grabbed my arm. Gesturing toward Jesus, he exclaimed, “Surely this was a righteous man.” To which I replied, “More than that. Surely he was the Son of God!”

And just that quickly, the sun began to share its joyful rays again. Shouts of praise rose from the relieved Jews nearby, and they began to assess the damage from the earthquake.

A spear point thrust into Jesus’ chest proved he was dead. Our soldiers breaking the legs of the other two men brought hasty demises to them as well. Our job was done. But I couldn’t easily dismiss the fact that it seemed I had been instrumental in killing the Son of God. As exhausted as I was from the events of the day, I struggled to sleep that night.

The next morning I was amazed to hear the Jewish leaders requested a Roman seal over Jesus’ tomb. They were convinced some of Jesus’ followers would steal the body and claim he had risen back to life as he contended he would do during his life.

I was even more amazed when orders came down from Pontius Pilate to do so. I would have thought the governor would have been thoroughly fed up with these pushy people by that point. But apparently he wanted to go the extra distance to appease them … undoubtedly hoping finally and fully. Peace is a precious thing in volatile Palestine.

So a detachment of Roman guards was dispatched to the tomb. The first group made the tomb secure by putting a Roman seal on the large stone covering the entrance. For someone to break it meant death. Then they assumed the first round of guard duty.

The way we Romans handle this is through three-hour shifts of four soldiers each. It’s actually a rather impressive and imposing sight. Each soldier is responsible for six square feet of space. The fully armed guards don’t leave that space. Nor are they even allowed to sit down or lean against anything while on duty.

Normally centurions don’t pull guard duty. However, to the surprise and delight of my soldiers, I assigned myself to the Sunday morning shift (the fourth watch of the night, often referred to the “cock-crowing vigil.”). I have always been an early riser, and I was still struggling with all that had transpired in regard to Jesus. I had been so involved in his final hours that I harbored an affinity to him. I couldn’t explain it, but I felt drawn to be outside his tomb that morning.

The first hours of the watch were quiet; the Jews still observing their Sabbath day and night of rest. A flurry of activity was expected at first light as another week in Jerusalem began, especially on the heels of the festival.

I was still contemplating Jesus … what I had heard him say, who he had been, and what I had done to him … when I noticed two brilliantly bright lights in the night sky. They were moving – arcing down from the heavens and rapidly drawing closer. The other guards spotted them too, gasping and brandishing their spears in defensive postures. “What is that?” someone blurted out.

The lights continued to approach; they seemed fixed on our location. The closer they came, the more blinding was their aura. Before having to look away, I was able to distinguish two human-like figures dressed in white robes, bright as lightening. But unlike a lightening flash, their brilliance never disappeared; it only increased in intensity. They glided on the air in a standing posture, their arms by their sides.

Even with our eyes pressed shut and our arms crossed in front of our faces, we could still sense the area around us brightening … the inky black of early morning being driven away as with the brilliant light of a sunny summer day. Only this light was purer and whiter than sunshine. It was painful; piercing through closed eyelids and into our very flesh, seeming to expose all our inner ugliness.

We fell to the ground in abject terror, assuming fetal positions in the dirt with hands over our heads and shaking uncontrollably as the beings swooped over us. Expecting to be struck dead, I heard stone grating against stone as the large carved door was rolled away from the tomb’s entrance. Then for the second time in just days, a deep rumbling arose and the ground began pitching violently beneath us. Another earthquake!

It was too much for us; the terror took us out of awareness.

When I came to, my eyes happened to be focused on the open entrance to the tomb. To my astonishment, I saw a living Jesus stepping out into the feeble light of dawn. He lifted his face and raised his arms toward the sky; a joyous smile appearing.

I raised my head in wonder. Jesus turned his gaze to me once again. He stepped over to me, placed his warm hand tenderly on my forehead, (my helmet had rolled off in my collapse), and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!”

Tears of joy flowed down my cheeks. Jesus smiled at me. “Justice has been done, Justus. Learn what this means.” With that, he walked away into the early morning shadows, whistling happily.

As for me, I was determined to learn more about this Jesus. What I already knew was that he was so much more than just a man.

One final note. Some of the other guards fearfully reported what had happened to the chief priests. (They were afraid to tell Pilate; he could execute them for failure to carry out their assigned duty.) I didn’t go with them. If I had, I would have told those power-hungry men that their efforts to take Jesus out had failed miserably. He was alive again.

Yes, I may have killed him. But not for long!

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I did not intend for this story to become quite so long. However, as I began to reflect on all that Justus might have seen and heard, and which the Holy Spirit could have used to change him, I kept finding more that seemed necessary to include! Despite the story’s length, I pray that it was an enjoyable and ultimately encouraging read.

I did take some liberties with the storyline regarding Justus, and embellished some of the events Scripture mentions in passing. However, to the best of my ability, I accurately portrayed the Biblical account of Jesus’ trial, death and resurrection, as well as the Roman way of doing things.

As for the guards at the tomb, there is a difference of opinion on whether they were Roman guards or Jewish temple guards. I concluded that they were probably Roman ones – not just for the purpose of this story, but for logical reasons. The biggest ones being that Roman soldiers would probably be the ones to guard a Roman seal, and Jewish guards would probably have little reason to fear Governor Pilate’s retribution for falling asleep on duty.

Happy Easter!

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The Countdown

April 1, 2023 dbirsch

We recently traveled down to Texas for our oldest son’s wedding. The wedding was lovely, and the time with family members exceptional. However, the travel process there and back was trying.

Nothing extraordinarily bad or even unusual occurred, and the Lord graciously granted safe journeys to our entire family. (Thank you, Lord!) However, traveling days … especially when done via airplanes … are always long days. And even more so when operating on only a few hours of sleep, flying a great distance and/or changing multiple time zones.

I’m not sure if this is a personally beneficial practice for me, nevertheless I’ve begun to think of flying days as a series of steps to check off along the way to reaching our destination. (It’s a bit of a downer early in the process with multiple hurdles still to overcome, but increasingly uplifting as we near the end of them.) Perhaps you mentally check off the steps as well as you are working your way through the flying process?

Here are the items I typically countdown on traveling days:

Stow the last-minute items in the suitcases, and transfer the suitcases into the vehicle.
Drive to the airport parking lot you will be using.
Register at the parking lot, receive the “upon return” information, and catch the shuttle to airport.
Check your bags with the proper airline and pocket your boarding passes.
Advance through airport security.
Locate the proper flight gate.
Grab a meal before boarding, if needed. (If a long flight awaits, it’s usually a solid plan.)
Board the plane and find your seat.
Say your prayer for safe travel, get as comfortable as possible and enjoy/endure the flight.
De-board the plane upon landing
Repeat steps 6-10 if catching a connecting flight to your destination.
At your final airport, locate the baggage claim and retrieve your suitcases.
Transition to the rental car facility. (Which is typically offsite and necessitates catching some mode of transportation to it.)
Fill out the necessary paperwork to receive your rental car. (Hopefully you don’t have to wait in a lengthy line to do so!)
Familiarize yourself with the new vehicle, program your GPS, and find someplace for another meal. (Because after all that has transpired, it’s probably time to eat again!)
Finally … drive to your intended location. (Which, if fortunate, is not too distant!)

None of this is typically difficult. But all of this combined usually makes for an extremely lengthy and exhausting day.

As we were traveling back from Texas, I was pondering my travel check list (and our place on it), when it occurred to me that while Jesus was “traveling” into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey foal, he had his own upcoming events checklist on his mind.

But his list was much more important than any flying day list, and much less appealing!

While there were certainly some upcoming activities that Jesus eagerly anticipated, such as the last days of teaching his disciples and instituting the Lord’s Supper, there was a bevy of extremely unpleasant ones in the Savior’s immediate future.

The complete list would be too extensive, (and probably too heart-rending), but here are the key aspects, beginning four days later:

In the depths of Thursday night, Jesus begs his Heavenly Father to find another way to save sinners. His anguish is so intense that his perspiration includes blood, and an angel from heaven appears to strengthen him. Meanwhile his disciples sleep instead of comforting him. There is no other alternative to save sinners, so in love, Jesus acquiesces to his Father’s will.

Early on Friday morning, Judas the betrayer, one of Jesus inner twelve disciples, leads a mob to arrest him. The rest of Jesus’ disciples and followers abandon him.

Jesus endures two illegal “trials” before the former high priest and the official one.

As day is dawning on Friday, Peter denies Jesus for a third time.

Jesus is convicted of blasphemy for claiming to be God (a true assertation!) and judged worthy of death by the Jewish ruling council. He is mocked, spit upon, blindfolded and beaten with fists.

His enemies escort him to the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate sends him to Herod who is eager to see miracles. Jesus does none so Herod and his soldiers dress him in a robe and mock him. After entertaining themselves at Jesus’ expense, Herod sends him back to the governor.

Pilate tries to release Jesus, but with a potential riot forming, he finally condemns him to crucifixion.

Jesus is stripped and flogged.

The entire company of the governor’s soldiers gather to torture him. They place a scarlet robe on his shoulders and a wreath of thorns on his head, which they then beat upon with a wooden staff.

Finally tiring of the “fun,” the soldiers place the beam of a cross on Jesus’ bloodied shoulders and lead him toward the crucifixion hill. In his weakness, he stumbles under the weight. Another man is “recruited” to finish the task.

Reaching “the place of the skull,” Jesus has nails driven through his hands and feet, and is lifted into place on the cross.

Jesus has to push his torn back up against the wood of the cross each time he needs a new breath.

The physical pain is excruciating … a word which actually has its origin in the crucifixion process.

The Father abandons the Son as Jesus endures the horrors of hell itself … the just punishment for our sins, though He was sinless.

Jesus is mocked both by many below his cross, and by one who is crucified beside him.

Jesus gives up his spirit and his physical body dies.

Jesus’ Palm Sunday checklist is far more radical than our traveling one. Just as we are glad to mentally cross of our last items on a long day of transitioning from one place to another, imagine Jesus’ joy on Easter morning after safely arriving at his “destination,” his resurrected body leaving the tomb.

How incredible that he was willing to make that trip. How wonderful it is for you and me! It checks off a number of items we would never be capable of achieving on our own.

Atonement for our sins? (Check!)

Forgiveness? (Check!)

Reconciliation with God? (Check!)

Salvation? (Check!)

Peace? (Check!)

Joy? (Check!)

Security? (Check!)

Purpose? (Check!)

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Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 9:26
But [Christ] has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Ephesians 5:2
… Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

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Lent – A Time for … Rejoicing

March 25, 2023 dbirsch

For the majority of the weeks during the church season of Lent, I will share a few thoughts on some of the various approaches Christians might take at this time of the year when we reflect upon the suffering Jesus endured in order to redeem us. There are many appropriate actions and reactions for a believer as he or she contemplates Jesus’ crucifixion … and thankfully also his resurrection.

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions. I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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Of all the Lenten responses I’ve shared in previous weeks, the one in this week’s post is perhaps the least likely to come to believers’ minds in this traditionally somber season. Repentance, reflection, renewal, and rededication all seem appropriate in light of our suffering and dying Savior.

But rejoicing? That isn’t quite as obvious.

How can we be happy when Jesus seemed so burdened and sorrowful? How can we rejoice as we hear of Jesus’ abuse? How can we be joyful at the piercing thorns, the vicious tearing of his flesh, the unbearable burden of the cross on his flayed shoulders and back, the agony of nails driven through his wrists and feet, and the excruciation of the crucifixion?

Where is our glee in the ridicule of the Son of God? In the mocking and rejection and outright hatred of the One who loved perfectly?

How can any believer find happiness in Jesus’ abandonment by the Heavenly Father as the Son experienced the full extent of the horrors of hell?

Typically reflecting on all that Jesus endured because of the immensity of our transgressions fosters sorrow. How could it not for anyone even somewhat conscientious; who understands the spiritual cause and effect of sin laid out in the Scriptures?

There is no escaping the root cause of Jesus suffering. My disobedience and yours necessitated it all. And this does not … cannot! … produce rejoicing in sorrowful sinners.

However, the hymnist, Kurt Eggert, urges us to view Jesus’ passion from a different perspective in his hymn, “Oh, Come, My Soul.”

Oh, come, my soul, your Savior see
Nailed to your cross on Calvary.
Your pains he bears; your thorns he wears
That yours a crown of life might be.

‘Tis yours, my soul, the sin, the shame,
The cross, the nails, the thirst, the pain;
In agony His blood runs free
To write in heaven’s book your name.

And note how he concludes the hymn! Here’s the next and final stanza:

Oh, sing, my soul, sing endlessly
The wondrous love that sets you free;
His dying breath brings life from death,
Makes heav’n your home eternally.

In other words, don’t focus on your sins that put Jesus there; focus on your salvation that Jesus secured while there. This produces joy!

In fact, while Jesus as true Man did dread the agony that awaited him (Mk. 14:32-36), Jesus as true God actually rejoiced at being the Instrument to save sinners. The Scriptures show us this astounding truth: “For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

If Jesus rejoiced at what he accomplished for us on the cross, then surely we can too!

Elsewhere in the Bible, and repeatedly, the Holy Spirit urges God’s people to rejoice in all that God has done. I’m confident we can agree that one of the greatest wonders God has performed is reconciling us to Himself through the extraordinary sacrificial efforts of Jesus.

While the following words of Isaiah are referring to heaven, they certainly also describe the significance of Mount Calvary, without which the heavenly “mountain” would never be possible.

“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” (Isaiah 25:7-9)

Considering Jesus’ cross through the lens of what was accomplished there instead of what necessitated his being there changes everything. No, we dare never forget the reason. (Our sin!). But we dare never forget the result either. (Our salvation!)

When viewed from this angle, it actually does make the season of Lent a season of rejoicing. Great rejoicing even!

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!’ I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.” (Psalm 118:15-17)

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Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

(Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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A Shocking but Enlightening View

March 18, 2023 dbirsch

WARNING: Portions of this story will be shocking and unpleasant. While just a story, I believe it to be an accurate representation of God’s truths and the immensity of God’s love for us, and therefore, I pray, also enlightening. Finally, (and as always), I pray that these words are spiritually encouraging … as unsettling as some of pictures they portray may be.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Being a Christian shouldn’t be this difficult! Yet Benjamin was struggling. He knew God was real, and he believed Jesus was his Savior. But “the devil was in the details.”

When was he converted? Was he fully converted? How did it happen? Had he personally done enough to cross over the sacred line of faith? Was there more he needed to do?

How could he know with conviction the answers to any of these questions?

Ben was an avid reader of theological books and an eager listener to Bible preachers, teachers and pod-cast speakers. And the input he was getting supplied different answers. They all sounded knowledgeable and convincing, yet they drew different conclusions! Who was right? Whose “take” should he take to heart?

Being a conscientious guy, Ben struggled to find peace. He knew the Lord desired … even promised … peace to him. Yet it was elusive. Repeatedly he begged, “Lord, give me the peace you promised. I long for it! I need it!”

After yet another prelude of agonized prayer, tossing and turning on his bed, Ben’s exhausted body finally fell into a troubled sleep. In the deepest recesses of the darkness, as his mind settled slowly into the heavy mists of slumber, a gentle, soothing voice called out to him. “Benjamin. Benjamin.”

Ben’s befuddled brain slowly cleared, and his awareness heightened. He recognized he was still wrapped in sleep, yet he was fully conscious. “Benjamin,” the voice called again. “Dear Benjamin.”

“Who is calling me?”

“It’s me – Jesus. I am here to give you peace.”

Ben was incredulous. Overwhelmed. Was the Lord really speaking to him?

“Yes, Ben, I Am. And I’m really speaking to you.” There was a brief pause. “Do you recognize what I just did there?” Jesus asked with a smile in his voice.

“I do,” Ben answered merrily. The Lord had put him at ease so easily.

“Good for you!” Jesus continued. “Well, Ben, I’m here to bring you the peace you have prayed so earnestly for.”

A flurry of emotions swarmed Ben. Astonishment. Awe. Joy! A bit of trepidation. A surge of hope. But remarkably, no fear.

“I have something to show you, Ben,” Jesus stated. “It will be one of the most disturbing experiences you will ever endure. But you must take it in. All of it … for this is the way to peace.”

Ben hesitated. “Can I handle it, Lord?”

“I will never give you anything you can’t handle, Ben. And we will be with you.”

“We?”

“My Father, my Spirit, and me.”

“Of course! I’m sorry.” Ben was embarrassed he didn’t make the obvious connection. “I will trust you, Lord. Show me what I need to see.”

A slight breeze began to nudge the shadows past him. They carried an odor on their currents – the unmistakable stench of death. It began as just a whiff, but rapidly increased in intensity until it became almost unbearable. At the same time the view became clearer; the murk dissipating and Ben’s focus becoming more fully defined.

He wasn’t prepared for the scene before him.

A rotting carcass lay face down on the grassless soil – the decomposing body leaving a slimy film of liquid leaching into the dirt around it. The body was unclothed, and seemed to be subtly writhing, appearing almost as a hologram. But then Ben realized with horror that the movement came from thousands of maggots consuming the flesh. The stench was overpowering, and Ben gagged and retched.

Intuitively he knew that the body was his. “O no! I’m dead! I’m dead!” Ben was nauseated not only from the sight and smell, but from the ramifications.

“Yes, Ben, that was you. And you were dead in unbelief and sin.” Jesus paused, then continued. “But now observe.”

For a moment nothing changed. Ben found himself riveted to the macabre scene, unable to look away; his horror escalating. Then movement caught his eye as a figure slowly approached the grisly corpse, walking forward from a position previously behind Ben. “Watch out!” he shouted, concerned the man would inadvertently stumble over the rotten mess, though it would be nearly impossible for it to go unnoticed.

But the person continued easing closer to the body, undaunted and unwavering. He knelt in the liquidy slop near the head. “No! No! No!” Ben moaned. He wanted to turn away, but couldn’t. The kneeling man turned toward Ben with a loving smile. It was Jesus! Then he turned back toward the reeking carcass and leaned close. The maggots wriggled frantically away as Jesus’ face drew near.

Then he kissed the dead Ben’s cheek as the observing Ben gasped. “I love you, Ben,” Jesus stated softly, as he lifted his hand over the decaying Ben’s head. A vibrant red drop of blood formed under the wound in that hand, gradually growing larger until it separated and cascaded downward, landing with a splash on the deceased’s forehead.

Meanwhile, a gleaming white dove circled closer and closer to the body, trailing a fluorescent wake.

Then another voice, rich and full and resonant, announced, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it.”

Simultaneously, the dove plunged into the corpse, which immediately began to twitch and spasm and glow. Then the transformation began in earnest. The white, writhing maggots grew still, turned brown and then shriveled black, finally disintegrating altogether. The liquid pool around the body was drawn back into the frame and the sallow, sagging flesh firmed up, taking on a healthy tone.

Jesus flipped his extended hand over, his fingers splayed wide. There was a flash, and a brilliant robe of white enveloped the body – a purple sash encircling its waist. The ribcage rose and fell as breath filled the lungs. Previously opaque eyes began to glimmer; eyelids blinked; a grin formed, followed by a gleeful laugh.

Formerly dead Ben lifted his head, pulled his arms and legs underneath him, and pushed himself up to a kneeling position. Jesus gripped his arm and helped him to his feet. At that moment, the observing Ben’s viewpoint changed; suddenly he was seeing through the eyes of the newly quickened Ben. And he was looking at the joyous face of Jesus.

“Do you understand now, Benjamin? You were spiritually dead; there was nothing … absolutely nothing … you could do to change your condition. But we brought you to life. Your spiritual life and your salvation are not dependent upon you, but upon us. Totally upon us! It is our gracious gift to you. So do not get too caught up in the words and views of people; immerse yourself in our words. The truth is magnificent, yes – but it is also simple. We have done it, so it is done! Be at peace, Ben, and live in joy for us.”

The Lord embraced Ben, then held him at arm’s length. “You now live, Ben. And you are always loved.” Jesus released him, smiled once more and then disappeared.

Ben woke with a start, his eyes rocketing open. He sat up and reflected on what he had just experienced. “That was wonderful,” he thought. “But was it real?” (It sure seemed real.)

He became aware of something in his right ear. He reached up and plucked it out. It was a blackened, dried maggot. As he stared at it, it dissolved.

Tears flooded down his cheeks as he poured out his thanks to the Lord who loved him and had given him life. A glorious peace filled his heart; the gracious Lord had done great things in him … and for him!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.

He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ”

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet — a vast army.

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’ ”

Ephesians 5:14
This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Isaiah 26:19
But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise — let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy — your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

John 1:12-13
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts! (Commenting is the fun part!) To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title. I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

Lent – A Time for … Rededication

March 11, 2023 dbirsch

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions. I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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Dedication. It’s an important word; an important concept.

A word commonly used to define dedication is “commitment.” Perhaps an even better option, especially when referring to our key relationships, might be “devotion.”

There are many things worthy of one’s devotion. Our spouse. Our family. Our homes. Our friends. Our jobs. Our churches. And certainly our God.

There are many other things less worthy, but which sometimes seem to garner equal or even greater dedication. A hobby. Hollywood. A ball team. Personal popularity or success. Possessions. Social media.

Sadly, sometimes we sinners devote ourselves to downright sinful things – to selfish pursuits of matters clearly denounced by the Lord.

It’s one of life’s great conundrums; those treasures most worthy of our devotion so often receive the least of our focus while the most unworthy pursuits pull in the most! We tend to be riveted by those items that least deserve it. We probably even realize this tendency yet make no moves (or only half-hearted ones) to correct it.

The most striking example of this is our dedication to God’s realm. Or perhaps more accurately, our lack of dedication to the Lord.

Why is this the case? Why do we neglect what we recognize to be the most important things? How do so many unhealthy focuses occur in our hearts and minds, and how do our priorities become so out of whack? And why does it seem so difficult for us to readjust?

Chalk another one up to our sinful nature. (Or our sinful flesh. Or our Old Adam. Or however you prefer to refer to the sin embedded in us and influencing us so profoundly every second of every day.) We are continually impacted by this powerful adversary to the Lord, his word and his ways.

If you doubt this, consider how easily we are dissuaded from anything connected to God. It’s not uncommon for us to have to aggressively fight against excuses to neglect spiritual activities. (Such as reading the Scriptures, attending worship, praying, or serving the Lord.) Our sinful natures consistently pull us away from our God, and we are generally inclined to follow their lead!

In short, our dedication to the Lord typically leaves much to be desired.

Thanks be to God that Jesus’ dedication to us never wavers!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 37-39)

The proof of this love? Look to the atrocities in the judgement hall, the horror at the whipping block, and the agony of the cross! That was devotion to you and me. Extreme devotion. Ultimate devotion. Complete devotion. Perfect and saving devotion!

The Lord Jesus knew exactly what awaited him … all the brutality and all the agony … yet he resolutely continued on that torturous path because of his devotion to you and me.

When we consider Jesus’ dedication to us – when we read or hear the passages that describe this dedication and which prove the immensity of it – the Spirit motivates us to rededicate ourselves to our Savior.

The simple reality is that the more we are in God’s Word, the more the Word is in us … and the less sway our sinful nature holds in our lives. A dedication to God’s Word leads to repeated rededication of our hearts and minds and lives to the Lord.

Which makes the season of Lent a fine time to dedicate and rededicate our all to our all-giving Savior.

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Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

1 Timothy 4:13
… Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Titus 3:8
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts! (Commenting is the fun part!) To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title. I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

Lent – A Season of … Renewal

March 4, 2023 dbirsch

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions. I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

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Who doesn’t love the renewal that spring brings? Who doesn’t need that renewal after a long winter?

Spring is such a fitting name for the season as a multitude of things spring forth at this time of year. Day by day the sunlight shines a bit longer and the temperatures slowly ramp higher. The grass greens and gradually resumes its growth. Deciduous trees pop their leaves and early season annuals burst from their beds. Soon the flowering trees and shrubs will be arrayed in all their blooming splendor. Thoughts, dreams and plans for summer activities and vacations start to materialize and are eagerly anticipated.

So very many wonderful things spring to life in the renewing atmosphere of spring!

We’re all different in our approach to life, in the gifts we have been given, in the energy levels we sustain, and in how long we can go until we hit the proverbial wall. But sooner or later the wall wins with everyone. It is inevitable.

We all need physical, mental, emotional and spiritual renewal. The wise recognize this; the foolish sprint foolishly forward until they slam face-first into the bricks. Those who are really wise “intentionalize” their renewal to soften damaging collisions or even avoid them altogether.

The season of spring is naturally imbued with renewal, which is wonderful and certainly beneficial to one’s general well-being and uplifting to their overall attitude. This is good! Any boost to our physical, mental and emotional welfare is a blessing!

But what the season of spring doesn’t renew is our soul. That comes through contact with the Gospel. (Romans 1:16). Which leads us nicely to a season that can renew us spiritually – the season of Lent. The truly wise understand that the most crucial renewal is a spiritual one, and they actively seek it.

Traditionally the 40 days of Lent are regarded as days of self-sacrifice and denial, and extra devotion to the Lord. (The number 40 being in recognition of the Israelites struggling in the desert for 40 years before the Lord brought them into the Promised Land, and Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and temptation before beginning his earthly ministry.) Consequently, in the early history of the Christian Church fasting of some fashion for the season was commonplace.

Today Lent is still regarded as a time of repentance and solemn reflection; a time when believers spend a little extra time focusing on Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion and death. And so it should be!

Jesus didn’t allow himself to be nailed to a cross simply to undergo a new experience or a grand adventure. He deliberately went to that agony to offer the only atonement his Heavenly Father would accept for your and my transgressions. If he didn’t, we were lost. Doomed. Damned. There was no other solution. So in unimaginable love Jesus – God himself! – sacrificed himself.

For believers who recognize this profound truth, it must elicit a reaction. Repentance surely. Awe and wonder undoubtedly. Believing disbelief that the Lord would go to such great lengths to rescue me.

And renewal of our souls. A new rebirth springing in our hearts each Lenten season like a blossoming bud brought forth by the life-bringing light of the Gospel. The wilted remains of doubt and discouragement replaced by new growth of faith, hope and joy.

Jesus loves me. Jesus died for me. Jesus lives again. Jesus saved me.

That’s great news to the soul – the ultimate renewal!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 51:7-12
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Titus 3:3-8
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts! (Commenting is the fun part!) To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title. I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

Lent – A Time for … Reflection

February 25, 2023 dbirsch

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions. I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Reflection. It’s defined as “serious thought or consideration.” If I could suggest my own definition, I would describe it as “solemn remembrance.”

Reflection is something everyone does to some degree. Yet this formula seems to hold true: the older a person becomes, the more he or she reflects on the past. A related formula would be: the more one’s life is changing, the more reflection that occurs. (I’m finding that both formulas hold true for me!)

Everyone spends some time reflecting, regardless of their age or the amount of transition currently intruding into their lives. Retrospection is part and parcel of the human psyche. We pause now and then and remember.

Perhaps the solemn remembering is brought on by a date or event; maybe by a sight, sound or smell. Regardless, something triggers the mind to reflect, so it does … leading us through the mists of memories. Some are happy; some less so.

Typically those moments of reflection revolve around the physical. A loved one who is no longer with us. A car we used to drive, a home we once lived in, or a place before it was altered. An activity that was flagrantly fun, or a verbal exchange that was riotously funny. An event that was significant or especially meaningful.

The physical tends to dominate our reflections, which makes sense since we are physical creatures driven by our senses. Yet those physical remembrances are highly charged emotionally. We recall … often vividly … how those events made us feel at the moment. And they still spark emotions – sometimes the same ones originally experienced; sometimes altogether different ones – as we think about those past happenings in the present.

All of this is natural and ordinary for us humans. We routinely remember past physical situations and then relive the emotions tied to them, perhaps even unwrapping some new ones.

Yet here is my question: how much do we reflect upon spiritual matters?

I submit that this is not so natural and not nearly as commonplace.

The Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the concept of remembering the great things God has done. Moses farewell speech to the Israelites (the book of Deuteronomy) is filled with encouragements that the people never forget how God had blessed them. “Remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:18). Yes, this is a reminder of a physical deliverance, but with the emphasis placed on the Spiritual One (the LORD!) who brought it about.

The psalms are a treasure trove of spiritual reflections. The Old Testament prophets repeated the refrain. The New Testament writers did the same. Jesus himself urged reflection for those receiving the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26). The angels in the empty tomb reminded the women to remember what Jesus had said, that he would be crucified but rise back to life on the third day (Luke 24:5-8). These are but a few examples; the Scriptures are overflowing with the concept.

Therefore, it would be wise on our part to spend more moments in spiritual reflection. That is, reflecting upon the incomprehensible love of God’s Son who endured so very much for you and me. Consider who Jesus is, and what Jesus did. His many sacrifices encompassing his ultimate sacrifice bear remembering. This is the only reason we are forgiven, the only reason we are children of God, and the only reason we are heirs of salvation. Hence, we solemnly remember.

As the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, “Remember that … you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13).

All of which is cause for spiritual reflection. Not only during the Lenten season, but every single day of our lives.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2 Timothy 2:7-8
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts! (Commenting is the fun part!) To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title. I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

Lent – A Time for … Repentance

February 18, 2023 dbirsch

These posts during Lent will form the basis of our Wednesday evening worship discussions. I pray they provide wonderful food for thought, and blessed encouragement to all of us!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If someone were to ask a Christian to define repentance, most would probably reply with an answer along these lines: “Repentance is being sorry for one’s sins.”

In fact, doing a quick search online provided a very similar secular interpretation: repentance is “the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.” At its simplest level, this is an accurate definition. And certainly in a non-spiritual context.

However, the Bible shows repentance to be a bit more complex, describing multiple facets of this spiritual activity. It’s worth exploring and understanding these various nuances.

The first aspect is the most obvious one, and the one already mentioned: repentance is sincere sorrow over one’s sin. It is personal horror and profound grief over disobeying God’s will. (It’s often referred to as “contrition.”)

The Lord describes this attitude beautifully through King David, who wrote in repentance after his sin of adultery. “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

The second aspect of repentance flows naturally from the heart-wrenching agony of the first one: it’s the ardent desire to never, ever … ever! … repeat that mistake again. “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 18:30-31).

These first two elements are easy to grasp, as they seem logical to our minds and intuitive with the concept. And while they are both incredibly important, the third aspect of repentance is equally important. Perhaps even more important.

Yet, it’s a concept that many believers don’t grasp – at least in relation to repentance. But it’s crucial that they do!

The third aspect of repentance is faith in God’s forgiveness … despite how despicable a personal sin may seem or how wracked with shame or buried under guilt a person might feel over it.

The Holy Spirit moved the Apostle John to share these comforting words with us: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. … This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts …” (1 John 3:16, 19-20).

The Apostle Peter summarized it this way to the crowds who mobbed him and John after healing a lame beggar. He boldly informed the people that they were guilty of crucifying the Lord and Messiah, Jesus. He went on to urge them to repent, and informed them of the incredible result of doing so. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord …” (Acts 3:19).

In other words, where there is sincere sorrow over sin, the determination to do everything possible to abandon that sin, and the yearning of the soul to turn to God in faith – there is also absolute forgiveness – because forgiveness for every sin was secured by Jesus our Savior.

If you doubt that this third aspect of repentance is significant, consider two disciples who wronged Jesus in his final days before dying. Judas betrayed the Lord to Jesus’ enemies. When he saw Jesus arrested, tortured and condemned, was he sincerely sorry? Yes! Would he ever want to make that same mistake again? No! (Mt. 27:3-5). But he lacked faith that he could be forgiven for what he had done, so he tragically took his own life.

Peter denied Jesus three times, despite the Lord’s dire warning that he would. Did Peter feel profound remorse afterwards? Was he determined to never repeat that offense? Yes, on both counts! (Lk. 22:61-62). But Peter held on to hope and clung to faith that somehow he could still be forgiven by God. And, of course, he was! (Jn. 21:15-17).

There’s yet another aspect of repentance. It’s an additional area that is often overlooked, but is a natural component of a faith-moved repentance. God-guided repentance longs to restore everything that a person’s sin has tarnished or broken. (Like Zacchaeus promised to do in Luke 19:8!) Sometimes this can be done, at least partially; sometimes sadly it cannot.

Ultimately, our Lord desires that we are continually processing through the repentance cycle in our day-to-day lives. After all, we daily sin, so we daily have reason to repent. But if there was ever a time to give repentance some additional personal attention, it is during the season of Lent.

One wide-eyed look at our bloody Savior is reason enough. But view him not only through the despairing eyes of a sinner. View him also through the rejoicing eyes of a believer!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus …” (Romans 8:1).

Thank you, dear Lord Jesus!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts! (Commenting is the fun part!) To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title. I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

The Ultimate Trophy

February 11, 2023 dbirsch

As I write this, the world is gearing up for Super Bowl LVII (57) in Arizona. While it’s not the most watched sporting event in the world – events such as the Olympics and the world soccer championship which include athletes from many countries understandably rank higher – the Super Bowl IS the most watched American sports championship.

And it isn’t even close! 45 percent of U.S. households will tune in. Well over 100 million viewers worldwide are following the action. (Or at least the commercials!) No other American sporting playoffs draw even 20 million viewers.

An interesting sidenote regarding Super Bowl Sunday: it is the second-highest food consumption date for Americans! The only day of the year when more food is eaten is on Thanksgiving.

Of course, the immensity of the attraction makes the event a high-money one. According to Fox, which is airing the game, this year’s Super Bowl commercials cost as much as 7 million dollars for a 30-second spot. Tickets to the game started at $6,000. (Astounding when one considers that tickets to the first Super Bowl in 1967 cost only $12, and some tickets went unsold!)

Those players fortunate enough to play in the game benefit monetarily as well. The ones on the winning team will receive $83,000 each, as well as a unique Super Bowl ring worth between $30,000 – $50,000. But the losers aren’t left out; they’ll still earn a cool $42,000.

Naturally there can’t be a championship game without a championship trophy. The Super Bowl version is named the Vince Lombardi Trophy. It’s made by the New York jewelry giant, Tiffany & Company. The award is constructed of sterling silver and valued at more than $10,000. However, should a winning team put the trophy up for auction, the purchasing bid would undoubtedly be exorbitant.

For some … perhaps even many … the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate trophy on earth. For others, they might prize the NBA, NHL, or MLB trophies greater. Though it’s hard to argue that the FIFA Soccer World Cup isn’t the most valuable one of all. Made of 18-carat gold, it’s worth is estimated to be 20 million dollars.

As monetarily valuable and as sentimentally treasured as these trophies might be, in the end they are nothing. Because in the end, everyone dies, and their earthly trophies never make the journey with them. And in the Final End … the Last Day when the Lord Jesus returns … all earthly awards will be dissolved when the whole earth is made new. (Is. 65:17, 2 Peter 3:10-13).

Which is why the Scriptures repeatedly encourage us to focus on spiritual victories. On heavenly glories. On eternal awards. On honors that the Lord bestows, and not people. These are the ultimate trophies!

It is so challenging for humans to see past the physical and focus on and treasure the spiritual. Our five senses seem much more present and pressing than our silent souls. Our bodies aggressively demand attention but are temporary; our souls quietly reside out of sight but will exist forever. Where they eternally exist will depend on God’s grace, of course, and on the attention we give them in this life. Food for the body is rarely neglected; food for the soul (God’s Word!) often is but never should be!

The Apostle Paul’s inspired words fit well in this discussion. He used physical competition to picture spiritual striving, and contrasts earthly awards with the heavenly one. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Jesus summarized this same truth in his message to the Church in Smyrna in Revelation: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

The writer to the Hebrews shows us how this is done. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One of the football teams will hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy into the air this Sunday. Good for them and for their fans. I’ll certainly be watching. But God grant that our focus will always be on receiving the ultimate trophy of God’s crown of life. It’s the only trophy that really matters.

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(Matthew 6:19-20) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

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