UpperLoft Meditation 12/15

December 15, 2009

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:8-12

The shepherds, calmed from their initial shock of seeing an angel by his words, “Fear not, I bring you good news of great joy…”, are now overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of the heavenly host. How big was this angelic army? We don’t know. But the text uses the largest number in the Greek to describe the crowd, and it takes that number and multiplies it by the same number. You get the idea: all-time record crowd. This angelic army appears as a choir singing glory to God. This is their first earthly public appearance. It is the major event of eternity, the display of God’s glory on earth in the birth of His son!

There are three parts to this chorus of praise:

1. “Glory to God in the highest”

This is about the redemption of man through the work of Jesus for the praise and glory of God. It is more than a celebration, it is more than a coronation, it is as if all of heaven has come to participate in the announcement: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” [v.11]

2. “on earth peace”

What is coming is the perfect peace that passes all understanding. The peace that comes when God takes the initiative to reconcile sinful man and a holy God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” [Romans 15:1]

3. “on whom his favor rests”

Now has come the time for his coming of God’s goodness and kindness to sinful man. Now is the time for His mercy to be fully revealed through the work of his son. “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” [2 Corinthians 4:6]

UpperLoft Meditation – 12/8

December 8, 2009

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-12

Every parent is excited about the coming of their first child. It is a major event that will change their family forever. But not everyone gets excited. The vast majority of the surrounding community are focused on other concerns. New babies come everyday into the community and with each child there is only a ripple on the excitement meter.

For generations, announcements have been made by the prophets about this day. On this special day the message is clear; “Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” No one hearing the message could ignore the messenger. Today this would be described as a major media event.

An angel appears to the shepherds. His presence envelops the shepherds in a display of the glory of the Lord. Darkness has instantly been turned to light. the shepherds are terrified. Before the angel can make his announcement he has to calm the fears of the shepherds. “Don’t be afraid. I have good news.”

Your savior has been born. This is fantastic news! There should be endless celebration. This news is for you. This event should fill your heart with GREAT JOY!

A little girl once remarked, “some people couldn’t hear God’s whisper, and so He sent JEsus to tell them out loud!” [Bell]

A Savior has come. Are you listening?

UpperLoft Meditation – 12/1

December 1, 2009

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:18-21

Someday I would like to meet Joseph. He is often overlooked when one studies the spectacular Christmas event. Upfront are the baby, Mary, the shepherds, the wise men and the manger residents. Joseph seems to blend into the shadows. But look closely…

1. He is called a “righteous man”. He did not want to disgrace Mary. Her pregnancy would forever stain his name. He understands the social implications of their situation. But, he was committed to doing what was right and what was best for Mary regardless of the consequences.
2. He is interrupted by God. An angel appears to him in a dream to assuage his fears and give him guidance on how to proceed. God takes Joseph beyond his own sense of right action.
3. He obeys God’s instructions (24) and takes Mary into his home. He abstains from intimate relationship until after the baby is born. He gave, as instructed, the name Jesus to the baby.

Notice that just because Joseph is committed to doing what is right, does not place him above the need for God’s guidance.

God is doing a new thing here. Joseph has no other experiences with which to compare. His life and his new family are on the edge and extremely vulnerable.

We need to hear God’s word of comfort to Joseph; “Do not be afraid!” I am at work in you and through you for the glory of my Holy name.

UpperLoft Meditation – 11/24

November 24, 2009

“O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you.” – Psalm 88:1
“You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend.” – Psalm 88:18
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” -Psalm 23:4

In a few days we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. What Scripture should we reflect on that calls us to thanksgiving? I have been studying Psalm 88. It is a Psalm of suffering and sorrow. It ends with no resolution or hope; only “darkness”. In my research I found most preachers ignore this passage. How could this Psalm be a word for thanks giving.

Last Thursday, I had the joy of sharing Starbuck’s Pumpkin Lattes with an Indian pastor. He had just completed a commentary on the Psalms, so I asked him how he dealt with Psalm 88. His insights were very helpful.

Psalm 88 should be seen as a photograph. It is a picture of a dark time in the life of the Psalmist. It portrays a life of trouble, weakness, lose, grief, despair, helplessness, affliction and nearness to death. The night does last forever. With a new morning comes the light of day and a clearer understanding of what was not seen.

All of us at some time “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” But even in the most difficult days there is more to life than a picture of darkness. The Lord is with us. We need not fear. The Lord is the God of the beginning and the end.

Thanksgiving is the celebration that God is with us.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!
(Martin Rinkart – 1636)

UpperLoft Meditation – 11/17

November 17, 2009

“Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” – Galatians 2:10

Paul, reflecting on the early stages of his ministry, recounts the endorsement of the elders in Jerusalem to go to the Gentiles and the challenge to remember the poor. Regarding the needs of the poor was a concern found in the very fabric of the Israelite society.

Farmers were told not to gather the whole harvest, but to leave a small portion for the poor. In Deuteronomy 15, God’s people are exhorted to “open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor…” [v.8]; not to grieve in your heart what you share with the poor; and third, through such kindness “God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.” [v.10]

Today, we have instant awareness of great needs the moment they happen. We are aware of far more cries for help among the poor, than previous generations. At times, I receive more mail pleas than I receive bills. This leads me to three concerns.

One, be careful that the overwhelming deluge of plea mail does not lead you to think the needs are too great. What could I possibly do that would make a difference? Exasperated, you do nothing. God is a great multiplier; he takes the little that we give and makes it sufficient to meet the big need.

Second, remember that you are a steward of all that God gives to you, skills, talents, time, and financial resources. We must be pro-active stewards. This means you look for opportunities to put the Lord’s resources to good work.

Third, we are called to live by faith. This is not just for our benefit, but faith for the benefit of others. Are you exercising your faith by asking God to fill your hands so that you can give to others?

Remembering the poor is not a motto for couch potatoes. It is a call to action with love, faith, and compassion.

UpperLoft Meditation – 11/10

November 10, 2009

“The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” – Mark 1:1

As I read this passage again, I was struck by the thought of how important it is to have a sense of history when thinking about Jesus. our faith is built on what we know which gives us confidence for what we do not know and for what we hope for.

For many people today, life is about instant reality. The past and future are of little importance. What is happening now is preeminent. Yet, the now is forever disappearing.

Leadership principles call a would be leader to be focused on the present and not be distracted. This can be pushed to an extreme and can create a self-centered, narrow-minded leader who knows where he is now, but hasn’t a clue where he is going.

When we look at our lives with Christ, we find perspective and great value in a sense of history.

Past: Ephesians 1:4,5

• “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world…”
• “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…”

Present: Ephesians 1:7-9

• “In him we have redemption through his blood”
• “the forgiveness of sins”
• “he made known to us the mystery of the will”

Future: Ephesians 1:13-14

• “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”

How is your view of your personal history intertwined with the Christ of history?

UpperLoft Meditation – 11/3

November 3, 2009

“The God we serve can rescue us from your roaring fire…we still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

Religious faith may lead a person into the fires of affliction and tribulation. But, if it does, it will also lead you safely through to the other side. The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is as relevant as tomorrow’s sunrise. As long as selfish people with large portions of personal pride and ambition try to dominate faithful servants of the Lord, this story will continue to have meaning in today’s world.

The Dilemma

Daniel’s three friends, who had remained faithful to their God even in a foreign land, faced a choice. They realized where their loyalties lay; and with a good spirit and firm conviction, they refused to honor the king’s request to bow down to the idols. Such triumphs of faith over adverse circumstances stand as great achievements attained through the help of God’s Holy Spirit. Possessing clear insight into the truth that the voice of duty must be obeyed will lead one to defy every combination of opposing forces.

The Deliverance

A preview of what would happen came when those who put the three men into the furnace were burned to death because of the exceedingly hot flame. The miraculous story reached its climax as the people saw four persons rather than three in the furnace. These three men had faith and were delivered. Faith is not trying to believe in spite of the evidence; it is daring to do in spite of the consequence. An element of the first may be present, but the essential part of faith is complete commitment. Only then is it saving faith.

In the fiery furnace, God showed his great power by performing a supernatural act to bring salvation. He also performed such a deed at Calvary because humans were unable to atone for their own sin. Trust God always and do what is right. He will never leave one of his loved ones nor force that one to walk alone.

UpperLoft Meditation 10/27

October 27, 2009

“…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven…” – 2 Thess. 1:7

Every chapter in 1 Thessalonians concludes with a reference to the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. The certainty of the Lord’s coming is reflected in the word when– “when the Lord is revealed”; it is only a matter of time. His return will be a revelation, and all will be made clear.

The Lord’s coming provides perspective on present problems. This passage was written to people undergoing persecution. Some were probably asking if Jesus even cared about their situation. They came to realize that life in Christ did not exempt them from trouble. Yet, in him they discovered a new power to cope. The Lord, our present help in trouble, enables us to experience growth, which prepares us for his return.

The Lord’s coming helps today’s decision determine tomorrow’s destiny. Eternal destiny is involved in individual response to “the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thess 1:8) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Today’s decision about Jesus determines eternal destiny.

On a stretch of Tennessee highway approaching the Kentucky state line, a number of billboards advertise businesses that sell fireworks. Some of the signs boldly note, “Last Chance” to legally purchase fireworks. Yet another such establishment will be a little farther down the road. Eventually a traveler will come to the actual “Last Chance” just before the state line. Today might be someone’s last chance. When the Lord comes, the time to decide will be gone. The time of Christ’s return is classified information, known only to the Father – but he is coming. We may go before he comes. None of us knows how far down the road of life we have traveled. The line between now and eternity may be close at hand. Be ready!

UpperLoft Meditation – 10/20

October 20, 2009

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” – Gal. 5:16

In the New Testament, the expression “walking” did not always refer to a physical activity. More often it described the daily, consistent, continuing conduct of a believer.

Daily living in the presence of the Holy Spirit within is a necessity because of the difference between living God’s way and living the world’s way. The Scripture sets forth “standards” for Christians to live by. God never intended for the “world” to live by them. In fact, these principles are not lived by us but through us, as we yield to the Holy Spirit within us.

Daily living in the presence of the Holy Spirit within is a necessity because of the enemy the Christian faces. The Christian’s conflict with Satan is as fierce and unceasing as Satan can make it. Before him we in ourselves are as nothing. But God has anticipated our helplessness before Satan, and he has provided the resources with which we can overcome him. So, if we are to overcome the most vicious enemy of our souls, we must “walk in the Spirit” – we must live our lives daily in the conscious presence of his power.

The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is a necessity because of the old nature of Adam that is still a part of us. How do we overcome the “Adam nature” that is part of us? We daily renew our dedication to the Spirit of God within us. We walk daily in his power and strength. And as we do this, we “die daily” (1 Cor 15:31). That is, the old nature that is as yet unredeemed is given a “death blow” every day.

Quality Christianity “happens” as we surrender, in glorious acquiescence, to the Holy Spirit within us.

UpperLoft Meditation – 10/13

October 13, 2009

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” – Psalm 33:20-22

What words can you say to a family that has fled from their home in the midst of the storm? There is a day when everyone will flee to survive. The tsunami may come in many forms, rapidly advancing cancer, a devastating crash, or a lose of a loved one. The Psalmist speaks from his own experience. There are two pillars that hold him together in the storm.

Pillar One: They have placed their hope in the Lord. This is not an unspoken casual assumption. No, it is an outward act of an inward commitment. This hope is one that is continually affirmed as a means of parrying the thrusts of the storm which seek to destroy and wear down their defenses. This hope will never disappoint them.

Pillar Two: They have put their trust in the very character of God. They stand unshaken because of what they have come to know about God, as God has revealed himself to them; from what they have experienced in the past of God’s love and faithfulness; and from the affirmation of the Holy Spirit in their inner most being sealing God’s promises to them.

These two pillars support the secure roof, his unfailing love, that protects them in the storm. With hope and trust they are a people of great expectations.

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