Too Much of a Good Thing

The LORD’s dazzling glory then filled the temple, and the priests could not go in.
2 Chronicles 7:1b-2 CEV

For this post, I want to write on the goodness of GOD.  A simple topic but one I believe we all struggle with beneath the surface.  Or at least I struggle.  I hold that GOD is good.  That statement, GOD is good, is the definition of my being.  Because if I did not believe in the goodness of GOD, then everything else is a waste of time.  But this year I struggled.  Christmas cards.  I had to remove family and friends from my list because of their untimely deaths.  Or I had to send separate cards because of divorce or separation.  I look around and see pain and suffering.  The scattering of sheep.  And the enemy gaining ground.

And so I sit, thumbing through my Bible.  But I could only recall parts of verses and not where they were found.  I don’t even have a focus, just a vague idea of what I want to say.  GOD is good.  So I pull out my nifty Bible reference but where it has helped me so many times in the past, I could not find what I was searching for.  In desperation, I type phrases into several search engines.  Bingo.

For the LORD is good; HIS lovingkindness [mercy] is everlasting.  And HIS faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5 (NASB)

I have a start.  As with all my Bible studies, I look up the references listed in the center column of my Bible.  I find several more Psalm passages with basically the same sentence.  And then I come to Solomon.  Solomon quoted these Psalms during the dedication of the temple.  The building of the temple is done; that glorious first one.  Solomon prays a prayer (all of 2 Chronicles 6) and GOD’s glory, HIS Shekinah Glory fills the temple.

Glory.  Maybe I should write on the glory of GOD?  I still don’t have a focus on the goodness of GOD so I do a little research on glory.  Pulling out my Systematic Theology texts, I read about GOD’s glory.  In two volumes that could hurt my toe if dropped, there is one paragraph.  The root of the word glory is related to “weight” and “heaviness.”

Okay, on a personal note, that makes sense.  When I feel closest to GOD, most in HIS will, there is a heaviness in my being.  A weight or a burden that is desirable and yet uncomfortable.  I want to flee but also draw near.

Glory.  I want to do more research and then I realize that I’m rereading C.S. Lewis’s book “The Weight of Glory.”  The title says it all.

I decide to write on the glory of GOD.  So I go back to 2 Chronicles and read:

Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.  The priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house.  2 Chronicles 7:1-2 NASB

Wait one minute.  The priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house.  What?  The priests could not enter?  How is that even possible?  What does that mean?

Chronicles has many of the same stories as Kings so I flip to the corresponding history in Kings.

Suddenly a cloud filled the temple as the priests were leaving the most holy place.  The LORD’s glory was in the cloud, and the light from it was so bright that the priests could not stay inside to do their work.  I Kings 8:10-11 CEV

The light was so bright, the priests could not stay inside--GOD's glory.  As I type that, I think of Moses.  Wasn’t there a story where Moses was up on the mountain and when he came down, his face shined so brightly, the children of Israel had him wear a veil?  Hmm, yes… Exodus 34:29-35.  Wow, Moses had just come down with the second set of stone tablets (the first ones he broke in anger).  Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with GOD.  Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him (Exodus 34:29-30 ESV).

They had him wear a veil.  But when Moses went to talk with GOD or tell the people GOD’s word, he removed the veil.  Wow.  And that was only the reflected glory of GOD.  The children of Israel, who saw first hand GOD leading them out of Egypt, parting the Red Sea, could not face the reflected glory of GOD?

So what does that mean for us today?  GOD’s glory is so great that we cannot hope to approach?  HE did tell Moses that Moses could only see HIS back because Thou canst not see my face; for there shall no man see me, and live (Exodus 33:20 KJV).  We cannot stand in HIS presence?  Is there no hope?  Ah, it is coming together.  Bring in the New Testament.  JESUS said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the FATHER, but through ME.” (John 14:6 NASB)

GOD’s glory is dazzling.  None of us fallen humans can stand in HIS presence.  Goodness, the children of Israel couldn’t even stand the reflected presence of GOD in Moses.  There is no hope for us, EXCEPT through HIS SON.  The ONE HE sent to bring us to HIM.  JESUS.

And now back to the goodness of GOD.  What does a good GOD do when HIS children are out of fellowship with HIM?  Does HE bring about reconciliation?  Does HE send a WAY for HIS children to come to HIM?  Does HE give all that HE has in the hope that a few will come to HIM?

Yes.  Yes.  And yes.  JESUS said Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly FATHER feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 ESV)

We are fallen yet we have value with the FATHER.  We had no hope but JESUS provided a WAY.  We flee from HIS glory but yet GOD still seeks us out, as a loving FATHER does.  As a GOD who is good does.

Instead of writing on the goodness of GOD, I need to write on our response to a good GOD.  What is my response to a GOD who is good?  Do we want to hide HIM under a veil?  Or do we let HIS reflected glory shine through us?  My hope and my desire is to shine…

Sometimes All It Takes is Obedience

Mary said, “I am the servant of the LORD.  Let this happen to me as you say!”  Then the angel went away.  Luke 1:38 NCV

If all our responses could be this one, the world would be a much different place.  [Sigh] But it’s not, so I’ll continue my blog.

Mary was young and female—used to obeying.  That made it easier for her, right?  I mean, it’s harder for us with today’s problems.  Do I think that?  No, I disagree.  Yes, she was female and obedience was expected.  Outward obedience that is.  But what about the heart?  Just because a girl is outwardly obedient, does that mean her inner being says “yes”?  GOD spoke many times about outward obedience but inward rebellion.  HE desires obedience flowing from inward faith.  Not compliance due to coercion.

For I desire steadfast love [mercy] and not sacrifice, the knowledge of GOD rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 ESV

Marrying age for Mary’s contemporaries was about thirteen to sixteen years old.  Young indeed.  Because Mary was young, would that make her immediately compliant?

Mark Twain once said… “When a child turns 12 you should put him in a barrel, nail the lid down and feed him through a knot hole. When he turns 16, plug the hole!"

I’m sure Mark Twain was alone in his thoughts on adolescence, right?  But I suppose the author to this quote agreed with him:  “Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young.”  And I guess the author of this one also agrees: “raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-o to a tree.”  In all honesty, any person who has spent a microsecond with a tween or teen immediately understands these sayings.

Adolescence is a survival game, for the parents as much as the child.  It was back then and it is today.  There are different challenges from then to now.  But one thing has remained constant--struggle.  It goes by different names but it is all the same: challenges, difficulties, turbulence.  Spent time with an adolescent?  Remember being one?

Cue Mary.  She walks into this turbulent time of life.  She’s engaged.  And an angel visits her with strange words.  Okay, an angel visiting her is strange enough. But he does tell her an odd thing.

And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the LORD is with you; blessed are you among women!”  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with GOD.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a SON, and shall call HIS name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the SON of the HIGHEST; and the LORD GOD will give HIM the throne of HIS father David.  And HE will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of HIS kingdom, there will be no end.”  Luke 1:28-34 NKJV

Mary has a conversation with Gabriel as to the whys and wherefores before she finally says “I am the servant of the LORD.  Let this happen to me as you say!”  Then the angel went away (Luke 1:38 NCV).

What does simple trust and obedience to GOD mean for us today?  Maybe it was a blessing Mary was young and didn’t fully understand what she would endure.  An engaged woman having a baby?  Not treated well (most were stoned—the heavy rock throwing kind).  But Mary trusted GOD without railing against HIM for the unfairness of what she would endure.  But as I type that, I realize I don’t fully understand what GOD has for me either.  Is that a blessing as well?  I hold firmly to the truth that GOD is good.  But do I trust HIM to bring the good to fruition?  Or do I settle for mediocrity now because I don’t want to endure the struggle for the really good that comes later on?

C.S. Lewis holds that people are too easily satisfied.  Yes, we settle for less because we cannot see the fullness to come.  Or we do not trust HIM to hold our best interests at heart.  Or we just get impatient.  “I want no bumpy ride, let me sit in the mud versus traveling to the beach.  Yes, the beach is great but I might hit a bump along the way…”

Mary trusted GOD.  She did not fully understand what was to come.  But she knew GOD wanted only good for her.  And she answered, simply “I am the servant of the LORD.  Let this happen to me as you say!”

If you believe GOD is good and wants only the best for you, then why not try Mary’s response today?  I am the servant of the LORD.  Let this happen to me as you say!

We interrupt this life to bring you… A KING!

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After HIS mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Matthew 1:18 NKJV

People complain (myself included) that tragedy strikes at the worst time.  All right, I agree that if we had to pick, there is never a good time for tragedy.  “I’ll pass on tragedy today, but a double serving of mercy with a side of blessings and hint of protection thrown in” describes my consumer tainted Theology quite well.  But doesn’t it seem that when things are at their worst, even more is piled on?

I think that happens with the good as well.  Do we expect to receive GOD’s blessings?  I don’t.  I’m always shocked.  I pray.  I rail.  I cry out.  And when I receive a wonderful blessing from GOD, my response?  I’m not expecting it.  “Oh, hey, this is great, I guess YOU were listening.  Wow, imagine that.”  Oh, me of little faith.

Joseph was a carpenter, soon-to-be husband.  We know that his ancestor was King David—how cool is that!  But it didn’t help much in the money department.  How do I know?

And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest… And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons… Leviticus 12:6-8 KJV

When the baby was born, what did Mary and Joseph bring?  The Law of the LORD also says that parents have to offer a sacrifice, giving at least a pair of doves or two young pigeons.  So that is what Mary and Joseph did (Luke2:24 CEV).  Very poor indeed.

So Joseph was going about his life, wanting to get married, have a family.  BAM!  “Census time—register in your hometown.  It’s time to stand up and be counted.  Do it or die.”  So Joseph and Mary trotted off to Bethlehem.

Oh, and did I forget to mention that before they got married and left for Bethlehem, Joseph’s finance was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit?  The WORD is entirely too understated.  Found?  Like she was lost and then “she’s having the SON of GOD.  Yea!  It’s party time.”  Found, understatement, indeed.  Or this verse; And GOD said, Let there be light: and there was light (Genesis 1:3 KJV).  Really?  When I think on these verses and others, I can only say, really?  It just wasn’t that difficult for GOD to accomplish?  I guess not…

But enough with my digressions.  Joseph, going about his life, finding his finance pregnant with NOT his child, decides to get rid of her without the violence.  He’s trying to get his life back on track, such that it can be put back on track.  Does GOD help him?

While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the LORD cam to him in a dream.  The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the HOLY SPIRIT.  Go ahead and marry her.  Then after her baby is born, name HIM JESUS, because HE will save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:20-21 CEV

No, GOD derails his life even further.  Does HE let Joseph put away a wife that is bearing a child that is NOT his?  No.  Joseph is called to raise that child.  The SON of GOD.  Will JESUS have a stamp on HIS forehead, proving to everyone that HE is the SON of GOD?  No.  Some believe.  Most do not.  Joseph, while being called to do GOD’s work, endures the pain of others believing he is a liar.  Just as others did not believe or understand JESUS.

And HE [JESUS] began to say to them, “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  So all bore witness to HIM, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of HIS mouth.  And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”  Luke 4:21-22 NKJV

Did Joseph understand the blessing that interrupted his normal life?  He probably didn’t have a clue.  Or maybe just a glimpse.  Why do I say that?  A twelve year old JESUS…

When his parents found HIM, they were amazed.  HIS mother said, “Son, why have you done this to us?  Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!”  JESUS answered, “Why did you have to look for me?  Didn’t you know that I would be in MY FATHER’s house?”  But they did not understand what he meant.  Luke 2:48-50 CEV

The point to this post?  Joseph had his life interrupted by what appeared to be a tragedy.  A pregnant finance.  NOT his child.  And probably not on Joseph’s timetable.  Instead, it was the greatest blessing ever given.  JESUS.  HIS power will never end; peace will last forever.  HE will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong.  HE will always rule with honesty and justice.  The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done.  Isaiah 9:7 CEV

No, I do not like tragedies.  But I do like blessings.  I need to keep my eyes open and be ready for when they come.  Will I let them derail my life or put me back on track with HIM?  GOD is good.  HE gave us the single greatest blessing ever known two thousand years ago.  But it did not end there.  HE promises us more blessings to come.

Will you be ready?

HIS Star

“Where is HE who has been born KING of the Jews? For we saw HIS star in the east and have come to worship HIM.”  Matthew 2:2 NASB

They followed a star to worship a baby.  They followed a star to worship the newborn KING.  What was it that caught their attention?  There are a lot of stars in the sky.  Yes, it was a new star.  But what was it?  I am fascinated with this verse.  HIS star.  A sign to herald HIS birth.  “Hey, hello, THE KING is born!  This is what we’ve been waiting for!” 

The star—a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter happened in 3-2 B.C.  Okay, we know they are planets, but would the ancient astrologers have known that?  And Halley’s comet swung by in 11 B.C.  Oh, wait, that’s a comet, not a star.  And why would they see a comet and say “Oh, hey, let’s travel to Israel to worship the new KING.”  Doesn’t explain HIS star too well.  And despite the errors in conversion from the Julian calendar to Gregorian, 11 B.C. is too early.  Johannes Kepler found that Mars, Jupiter and Saturn joined together in the constellation Pisces, around 7-6 B.C.  They say Pisces is normally associated with Israel.  Why Pisces (the two fish) and Israel?  I don’t know.  And another theory discusses Jupiter in conjunction with the star Regulus in 3 B.C.  Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo (the lion). 

“For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel.  It must be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘Oh, what GOD has done!’  Look, a people rises like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; it shall not lie down until it devours the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.” Numbers 23:23-24 NKJV

And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that HE can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 ESV

HIS star.  But once again, talking about planets and stars in conjunction?  It says HIS star, not HIS planets or HIS planets and stars.  And it was new.  What would make it HIS star?  A star for the-already-but-not-yet King.  The Messiah.  GOD in the flesh—incarnate.  Henry Morris had an interesting theory, although there is not much evidence for it.  A supernova, an exploding star which can be seen for about a year, occurred in the constellation of the virgin, Virgo. 

The LORD himself will give you a miraculous sign.  The virgin is going to have a baby.  She will give birth to a son.  And he will be called IMMANUEL (Isaiah 7:14 NIrV).

What was HIS star?  I don’t know.  Theorizing is fun but let’s focus on what we know.  What do we know?  They were wise men—astrologers, sages, advisors, educated men.  They were mostly like from Persia.  There was more than one.  And they had their eyes open.  They were looking.

“Therefore I [JESUS] speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.  And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘hearing you will hear and not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull.  Their ears are hard of hearing.  And their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’”  Matthew 13:13-15 NKJV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7 NKJV

King Herod and the rest of his court were not looking.  They were caught flat footed when the wise men stopped by to pay their respects.  Herod gathered together the priests and scribes of Israel.  Herod asked them where the MESSIAH would be born.  They did not know HE had been born.  Did not know.  They did not see scripture had been fulfilled right in their backyard.

After listening to the king, they went on their way.  And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house they saw the CHILD with Mary HIS mother, and they fell down and worshipped HIM.  Then, opening their treasures, they offered HIM gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.  Matthew 2:9-12 ESV

What do we know?  They brought three gifts.  Gold, a gift given to Kings.  Frankincense, a fragrance used by priests.  And Myrrh—a fragrance used in burial.  JESUS.  The KING of Kings.  The high PRIEST.  The ONE who defeated death.

What does it mean, HIS star?  There was a star.  It was HIS star.  It showed the way to a group who wanted to worship HIM.

I shall see HIM, but not now: I shall behold HIM, but not nigh: there shall come a STAR out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.  Numbers 24:17 KJV

GOD promised a messiah.  HE gave signs that told of fulfillment of HIS promise.  Those who were expectant and looking, saw the sign.  They believed the promises so they followed a star to worship a baby.  GOD in the flesh.

But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NASB

Today, we stand between two of HIS promises. We have the risen MESSIAH who ascended into Heaven after defeating death. But there is a promise of HIS second return. While we have the already (CHRIST has come) and the not-yet (HIS second coming), we are still called to seek HIM. Just like the wise men on that first Christmas, we need to be vigilant. Keep our eyes open. And be ready to move when the call come.