Thinking 'Christianly' About the News

"I hate the news."  That's what I thought recently. I have heard of sleepless nights to full on depression from Christians who drench themselves with news. They admittedly call themselves "news junkies". My contempt for the news is due to what I see it doing to news junkies. Christians can gather together in twos or larger groups and the news becomes the foremost topic of conversation. That can't be right. "I hate the news!" 

I am a product of my father who believed the adage that a Christian man should have a Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. That statement is attributed to the theologian Karl Barth. Unfortunately, like so many quotations, it is incomplete.  The actual quote reads: "Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”  I also read recently the following excerpt from Begg and Ferguson from their book: Name Above All Names.

"There is, then, this great cosmic dimension to the kingship of Jesus. He is the source, the sustainer, and the goal of all created reality. “The universe was made by Him, is providentially sustained by Him and is utterly dependent on Him.” As Christians we must learn to think properly, biblically. Then we may watch CNN or BBC News, or read the New York Times, or make our way through the Wall Street Journal without joining the ranks of the gloomy or singing in the choir of the fearful. To be in Christ is mind stretching and life transforming. It is a mind-altering experience to bow before the authority of what is said concerning this cosmic Christ, who reigns over all. It changes our perspective on everything.

So we may learn to begin the day affirming that “Christ is King. Jesus is Lord!” It is important to develop the practice of affirming central gospel truths as we waken to the new day, saying to ourselves, “The Lord God omnipotent reigns. This is the twenty-fifth of January (or whatever); today the Lord God omnipotent reigns. Yes, I saw the New York Times before I went to sleep last night. I have it on my iTouch. I did look at the BBC report before I went to bed last night. I saw all about Gaza. I saw all about Zimbabwe. I saw so much to disturb and distress. But Christ reigns from the beginning of the day to its end—every single day of my life.”" [1]

Recently I thought of Susanna Wesley. On May 12, 2019, I brought my congregation a Mother's Day message on the life of Susanna Wesley. In it I said, "Early in her life, she vowed that she would never spend more time in leisure entertainment than she did in prayer and Bible study." Her discipline gave thought to the idea: I wonder if the Christian "news junkie" should give equal time to prayer and the study of God's Word in relation to time spent watching or reading news on all forms of media?   Perhaps the reader would take it as a challenge. 

Here's part of a prayer I read recently from the Valley of Vision:

Rectify [Put right, correct] all my principles 

by clear, consistent and influential views of Divine Truth. [2]

 

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1. Name above All Names Copyright © 2013 by Alistair Begg and Sinclair B. Ferguson Published by Crossway

2. The Valley of Vision, , The Banner of Truth Trust, p255.

 

"It Takes a Lot of Faith to Lament"

 

Crossway[1] Podcaster, Matt Tulley interviewed Mark Vroegop author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy. Here are some quotable quotes:

 

“Yes. I think lament in its essence is more process-oriented than what we’re familiar with. Lament doesn’t tie everything up in a nice bow. Sometimes it leaves the tension hanging in the air with unsolved problems, but a renewed commitment that I’m going to trust the Lord in the middle of all of this. While there are a bunch of things that I can’t control, a bunch of things that I can’t change or do, the one thing that I can do is talk to God.”

 

“I think the Christian life is in the space where we know God is sovereign, but the world is also broken. Those two things don’t always go together really well. You know that God is good, but there are events in life that it’s hard to make a direct connection between this specific event and God’s goodness. It’s precisely because of the fact that we believe that God is sovereign and that we believe he’s good that Christians complain. We say to God, How long, O Lord? Would you intervene? Why haven’t you intervened? Rather than throwing that in God’s face—You need to intervene because I’m telling you you need to intervene—lament actually enters into the space to say, God, you’re sovereign. You’re in control. You’re all-powerful. And yet, this brokenness is right here. I want it to be gone. I want you to do something. Lament wrestles with pain while also looking to God as the ultimate answer for that pain, with the hope that we can really fully place our trust in him.”

 

“I think, sadly, that many Christians believe that being a faithful follower of Jesus means that you never struggle with doubt, you never wrestle with despair, you’re not battling anxiety on a regular basis. They come to church, people ask them how they’re doing, and they fake it: Oh, we’re fine! Praise the Lord! But inside, their spiritual life is a train wreck and they don’t think that it’s okay to acknowledge, I’ve got unanswered questions. I have tension in my soul about God’s goodness and what’s happening in my life. So, lament enters that rather complicated terrain by saying here’s a way to talk to God about that tension.”

 

“Absolutely. In fact, I think it takes a lot of faith to lament. I think lament is one of the most theologically faith-filled things that a Christian could possibly do. In the middle of the darkest of dark moments, when your pain is so raw and so real, you have the faith to talk to God about your pain. If faith isn’t present, you would give God the silent treatment, you wouldn’t talk to him, you would just be angry, you would be resigned and say that God really doesn’t care. But in the middle of your darkest moment, you’re talking to God about what’s wrong with the world. You’re asking him to be true to his promises and recommitting that you’re going to trust in him. I don’t know what could be more faith-filled than that.” 

 

[Emphasis is mine]

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[1] https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-how-to-lament-after-two-years-of-loss-mark-vroegop/

The Whistle That Gathers The Elect!

As we enter Zechariah 10 we become fully aware that the Messianic rule has not yet come for the people of God (10: 1– 2).  The prophet starts with a clear rebuke to the current leadership and a promise of a new leader.   Under the new improved leadership (10: 3b) there will be a change in the community (10: 3b– 5) as exiles return (10: 6– 12).  In the opening verses (“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.” (Zechariah 10:1–2, NIV)) there is a veiled rebuke also to those who fail to turn to God but rather have turned to Baal who is thought to be the god who controls the weather and rain.  Even though there is a prophecy of a Messianic kingdom, God's people are called to pray for rain. This is an important lesson that prophecy ought to fuel our prayers and not render them unnecessary.

"Spiritually, the cause of the Babylonian captivity was idol worship in Israel (cf. 2 Kin. 17:6–23). The “shepherds” and the “goatherds” both symbolize the civil rulers of the nations who persecuted Israel (cf. Ezek. 34)." [1] The metaphor changes and through this new leader the flock becomes an invincible army.  Of this new leader it is said “From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler. Together they will be like warriors in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the Lord is with them, and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame.” (Zechariah 10:4–5, NIV).  "In verse 4 a series of staccato bursts reveals God’s provision for his people. The Hebrew text simply reads:

• From him, the corner; 
• From him, the peg; 
• From him, the battle bow; 
• From him, going forth, every ruler together. 

As with the final line of 10: 3, so here the antecedent of “him” is most likely the Lord Almighty." [2] Some think these describe the new leaders in Judah, but this is probably another Messianic prophecy of our Lord.  This is "another reference to the Messiah (cf. 9:13; Rev. 19:11–16), under whose authority every ruler will be sanctioned.' [3]

In verses 6-12, The final regathering prior to the establishment of the messianic kingdom is in view. What is remarkable in this description is found in verse 6: ““I will strengthen Judah and save the tribes of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.” The tribes of Joseph are clearly the northern tribes. "This restoration will extend beyond Judah to include the house of Joseph, the northern kingdom, which was scattered by the Assyrians in 722 B.C." [4]  Because these so-called lost tribes of Israel are mentioned here we now become certain as to the time frame of this restoration.  There are clear signals in the New Testament that the regathering of all Israel is fulfilled in the Church (Acts 26:7).  Jesus claims that the apostles will rule with him on thrones over the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19: 28; Luke 22 :30). It is not odd, then, for the writer of James to address the churches who received his document as the “twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (James 1: 1). In Revelation 21: 12– 14 the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates of the holy city, the new Jerusalem. [see 5].

Not only that, this restoration will be perfect. ““I will strengthen Judah and save the tribes of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.” (Zechariah 10:6, NIV). "The restoration from exile prefigures final salvation and life in Christ (John 6:35; 14:6)." [6]  "This will be the realization of the New Covenant (cf. Jer 31:31–34)." [7]

One final thought on this chapter.  This restoration occurs by the simple and effectual whistle of God. ““I will whistle for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them . . ..” (Zechariah 10:8a, ESV). God's effectual call will go out and His Elect will come.  “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37, NIV).

Even so come Lord Jesus.  We know Your plans but we do not know the day or the hour.  So we pray, Send the rain, Father.  Send the rain.  Bring refreshment to Your Church.  Come in the power of the Word dressed in white sitting upon a white steed.  Come and bring justice and righteousness to this thirsty land.  Rend the heavens and restore Your people.  Gather Your Elect from every nation and every tribe and tongue.  Fill Your Church, the true Twelve Tribes of Israel with Your glory.  By Your Spirit cause us to lift up our heads and await the salvation of the Lord.  Praise God!

 

 

 

 

 

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1.  Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 10:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 8675-8680). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
3. The MacArthur Study Bible. 1997 (J. MacArthur, Jr., Ed.) (electronic ed.) (1351). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.
4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1764). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
5. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 8848-8863). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
6. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1764). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
7. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1829). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

What If There Was A Relationship Between Our Spiritual Health and Physical Health?

3 John 1–4 (ESV),

¹ The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. ² Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. ³ For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

It appears that John is writing his friend Gaius -- a friendship that has its bonds "in truth."  "While some have taken the phrase to mean simply “truly” or “really” (Mark 12:32; John 1:47), John’s usage of this phrase elsewhere in these letters where truth takes on such a significant meaning suggests that the elder intended the kind of love that is consistent with the fundamental truths of the faith (cf. v. 4; 1 John 2:21; 3:19)." [1]

John's prayer for his friend is in regard to his life, his health. This is affirmation that these are good things to pray for.  But there is more here. John is aware that Gaius' soul (his spiritual condition) is good.  With this as a basis then, he prays, "I hope the rest of your life is going as well as your spiritual walk."  Would that be true of all of us?  Imagine if God came to us and said, "I'll make you a deal.  I will tailor your health and your life's journey proportionate to your spiritual progress?"   John is aware of Gaius' condition because of reports of travelling brothers who gave testimony to that.

In his second letter, we glean more from the phrase "walking in truth" but suffice to say that "... he walks (Gr peripateō) in the truth, meaning that he lives according to the message of the apostles, rather than just giving mental assent to it." [2]   Gaius is probably a convert of John's for John exclaims: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4, NIV).  This is undoubtedly the joy of every true pastor, mentor, church leader and parent.

Here again we observe the importance of congruency in our lives.  "The importance of doctrinal integrity and truth is evident in John’s affirmation that nothing brings greater joy to him than to know that his children walk in truth." [3]

Father, what if I were to pray today asking you to so direct my day and grant me the health and blessings consistent with my spiritual condition?  What if I heard a voice from Heaven that said, "I hope today goes as well as your soul?"   This is a stunning suggestion.  Thankfully Your grace exceeds the demands of this notion.  Thankfully You do not treat me as I deserve.  Thankfully Your love covers a multitude of my sin.  But Father, I am humbled about how little attention I and my brothers and sisters give toward spiritual health.  If we were to give 1/10th the money, time, interest, investment to our spiritual health as we do to our physical health, there would be revival.  I'm sure. Father, help me today to measure this day on these terms.  Indeed “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV).  “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23, NIV).  May I attend to the work of the Spirit, that my soul might be refreshed and renewed, sin would be mortified and Christ be exalted.  Amen.

 

 

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1. The MacArthur Study Bible. 1997 (J. MacArthur, Jr., Ed.) (electronic ed.) (1981). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2644). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (3 Jn 4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The Road to Thanksgiving (An Exposition of Psalm 116) - Pt.3

The introduction to this song of thanksgiving is found in Psalm 116:1–2 (ESV)

¹ I love the Lord,

because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

 ² Because he inclined his ear to me,

 therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

The songwriter starts with an emphatic, “I love”. The psalmist’s reason why he loves is because the LORD heard him when he cried for mercy.  Answered prayer promotes loves for God.  He repeats the response of God, “Because he inclined his ear to me.”  The literal rendering of the Hebrew: “and in my days I will cry out.” [1] Thus it seems that the psalmist is committing himself to call upon God because he knows God is listening.  

“Because the Lord always "hears" the prayers of his people, the psalmist "loves" the Lord, being encouraged to call on him "as long as I live" (lit., "in my days"; cf. Isa 39:8, "in my lifetime"; similarly Ps 63:4; cf. 116:9, "in the land of the living").” [2] The faithfulness of God ignites our love to Him. “The psalmist expresses his deep affection for the Lord, grounding it in God’s own love toward him.” [3]

Because God answers prayer we love Him.  Because God answers prayer, we continue to call upon Him. “Continual love flows out of daily answers to prayer.” [4]

Father what an amazing thought in these opening lines.  I want to love You more.  I want to know greater love, affection and esteem for You my heavenly Father.  How do I do that?  Answer?  Ask more from You!  That is amazing.  Where else can it seem fitting to ignite greater love for someone by asking for more from them?  What an amazing God You are!  What affection am I missing when my life is prayer-less!  Father, I am dependent upon You, grant me the spirit of prayer and with that grant me an overwhelming love for You.  To know You better and love You more, would be amazing! 

1.  https://bible.org/netbible, Psalm 116, Translators Note 4

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Psalms/Exposition of Psalms/BOOK V: Psalms 107-150/Psalm 116: Be at Rest, for the Lord Is Good/I. Thanksgiving (116:1-2), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ps 116:1). Nashville: T. Nelson.

4. http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps116.htm#expo

Praying in a Heavenly Language

There tends to be an amazing diversity to the Biblical call to pray always "in the Spirit".   In the first century this would be interpreted by some Jews as praying in Hebrew.  Along the same vein my Dad thought the language of heaven was Gaelic, but I doubt if he thought that Gaelic was praying in the Spirit.  Some would teach that when our spirit mingles with the Holy Spirit, one of the outcomes is spiritual prayer.   Dr. Sam Storms makes this really practical suggesting that among many things Paul means that we should pray:

"(a) as the Spirit prompts us,
(b) in the strength and power the Spirit supplies,
(c) always asking the Spirit to bring to mind the truths of God's Word that are relevant to the person or subject of our intercession, and
(d) always and ever dependent on the Spirit to cleanse our minds of sin and guard us against distraction and frustration." [1]

Does this dismiss "tongues"?  No.  The same Greek phrase ( ἐν πνεύματι ) is used in 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 so Paul probably has tongues in mind if one has such a spiritual gift (not all do (1 Corinthians 12:30)).  To pray "in the Spirit" as the eminent theologian Charles Hodge points out means to essentially pray  "under the influence of the Spirit, and with his assistance, whose gracious office it is to teach us how to pray, and to make intercessions for us with groanings that cannot be uttered; Romans 8:26."[2]

As noted by R. Kent Hughes, "Apart from the Spirit's assistance, our prayers are limited by our own reason and intuition. But with the Holy Spirit's help they become informed by Heaven."  Is that not what we want?  And would it not be the most logical that in Paul's flow of thought whereby he writes: "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,"[3] that he primarily means for us to use the Spirit-inspired Scriptures to determine the clear will of God and pray by the Spirit for God's will to be done?   Thus whenever we are praying for the will of God, we are indeed praying in the Spirit.

"“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10, NASB95) 


The language of Heaven is that characteristic style of communication that earnestly desires the will of God, above all things.  Let us pray this way!

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1. http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/in-the-spirit-18/
2. Charles Hodge, Commentary on Ephesians, electronic ed. (Simpsonville SC: Christian Classics Foundation, 1996). 391.
3. New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. Ephesians 6:17-18