Package vs. Product

We're all too familiar with the way it works. The picture on the box looks amazing, fresh, and delicious - irresistible.  But after you buy it, reality hits.

This is repeated in many areas of life.  A politician may talk persuasively, but then the record demonstrates that the words were no more than words.   An individual that is held up as a role model is caught in a severe moral failure. Yes, the problem of inconsistency can bee seen in products, politicians, preachers, and far beyond.

Years ago I heard a proposed etymology of the word, sincere. The meaning, according to this folk etymology, was "without wax". The idea was that flawed marble might have wax rubbed into the cracks to disguise the poor quality. But the flaws would become apparent in the warm sun when the wax would soften and melt, exposing the true character of the marble.  This may not have actually been the origin of the word, but it vividly illustrates the meaning of sincerity of character. 

Why is consistency and sincerity so rare? I believe it is because of standing on a faulty foundation. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus spoke of the house built on a rock and the one built on sand.  Both structures looked sound.  But the one lacked a foundation to hold up the good intentions. Good intentions will fail. What is needed is not turning over a new leaf, but rather a new creation, a new birth. There are multiple images presented to us to portray this.

• the firm foundation
• the new creation
• the branch firmly grafted into the vine
• the love, respect, and inseperable commitment of marriage

Single minded, whole hearted, sincere, radically committed...they find their power in the Father's love, lavishly poured out in Jesus. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation.  Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new.

Perfect, Royal, Liberating

I have been reading the book of James for the past couple of weeks.  I am struck by the descriptives that are attached to the word, "law".

²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:25, New International Version)

 ⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. (James 2:8, New International Version)


 ¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, (James 2:12, New International Version)

In these three verses, the law is:

• the perfect law
• the law of liberty
• the royal law

The Perfect Law
This is not the first time we have heard these words. 

 ⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect,
   refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
   making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7, New International Version)

God's law is perfect.  It is without flaw. This speaks to its quality.

The Law of Liberty
God's law, far from bringing bondage, breaks chains. God's law brings freedom, liberty.

¹⁰ Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan. (Leviticus 25:10, New International Version)

God's law is a law of liberty.  This speaks to its effect.

The Royal Law
God's law is the royal law. The law is his law. He is King. He is sovereign. This speaks to its authority.



These words adorn the Liberty Bell. 

Thirsty, Weary, Weak

   ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, New International Version)
Are you one who is weak, weary, thirsty? You are the one that God calls to. You are the one that he invites.

Single-minded, Wholehearted

Think about these two phrases:

• Single-minded
• Whole hearted

They speak of focus. They speak of commitment. They speak of intensity.

What are the counterparts?

• Double-minded
• Half-hearted

Psalm 86:11 New International Version (©1984)
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Another version says, "Unite my heart to fear your name."

Yes, do it in me, God. 

All of life comes down to just one thing...

Work of Faith, Labor of Love, Steadfastness of Hope

1 Thessalonians 1:3 NASB

... constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father...

There are three striking pairings in this verse.

1. Work of faith - Faith and work are often paired in antithesis to one another. Here we see work finding its genesis and power in faith. Work and faith, far from being in opposition to one another, are integrally tied to each other.

2.  Labor of Love - A recent popular best seller presented the "languages of love".  Love can be communicated by acts of service. This was certainly true of our Lord's love. Jesus,  love incarnate, was the suffering Servant foretold by Isaiah.

3.  Steadfastness of Hope - Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is a hope that doesn't disappoint. He is a hope that doesn't grow weary. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength."

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

For or against

I have visited a number of sites lately that allow you to express your opinion on various pieces of legislation. Are you for or against the proposed bill!? Once you have voted, you can see how others have voted.

Psalm 118:6-7 NASB

The LORD is for me; I will not fear;

What can man do to me? The LORD is for me among those who help me;

Therefore I will look  with satisfaction  on those who hate me.

More important than my vote is God's vote. Is He for or against?  His Word tells me that He is for me. It goes on to say that it doesn't matter what anyone else votes. God holds the majority all by Himself.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Throwing our Cloak Aside

Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by.  He cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  When Jesus called him, he cast his cloak aside. This earthly possession meant nothing compared to the treasure of sight.

Mark 10:46-52 New International Version (NIV) Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

What do we hold onto? What "cloak" do we need to throw aside? Maybe it is an attitude.  Maybe it is a perceived "right" that we need to lay down. Maybe it is bitterness. Maybe pride. All of these will leave us blind until we cast them aside.