“He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
      Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
     And as a sheep before its shearers is silent
          So He opened not His mouth.” IS 53:7

I’ve watched in amazement as sheep are corralled into a channel and take their turns to be sheared. I’ve watched as they are flipped over on their sides. And I have watched as the shearer applies the denuding blade to their bellies, necks, ribs, legs, and backs and then like an egg flopped over until their whole body is stripped bare. I’ve watched as these sheep did not struggle or flinch, but docile and completely at peace, submitted to the knife of their master, opening not their mouths. And I have thought about what a beautiful picture this is of Jesus, as described here by Isaiah prophesying about the crucifixion of the Son of Man. I want to be like this sheep; no, better yet, I want to be like the Lamb of God.
But silence does not come easy for me. When Jesus was questioned before Herod, who was in fact intending to free him, “He answered him nothing” (LK 23:9). Accused of ridiculous “crimes”, Jesus completely resisted the temptation to defend or justify Himself, but chose rather to commit Himself into the Hands of the Judge of all the earth, knowing that He would always do the right thing. I, on the other hand, reason that it is only natural to defend myself, and righteous to stand up for “the truth”. In reality, truth is not just about content; it is about character.
I’m learning that God always gives me a choice. Jesus chose the high road, committing His way to God. When I choose to defend or justify myself, I have to accept the results of my choice. When I choose to allow God to speak for me, then I am positioning myself to trust God’s judgment, and leave the results with Him.
I’ve discovered too that sometimes I open my mouth because I am seeking sympathy. Pity loves company; but the only cake served at a pity party is bitter. And my choice to imbibe comes at a great cost. When I seek the sympathy of man, I unwittingly forfeit comfort that comes directly from the Comforter. As the axiom goes, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. It is either the sympathy offered by a friend or colleague, or it is the compassion of your Creator. My choice. Yours too.
Jesus’ silence came at literally the most lonely and difficult juncture of His life. He had just been betrayed into enemy hands by a friend with whom he had daily walked, eaten three meals a day, and shared cold nights for more than three years. Another, perhaps His closest friend, had denied knowing Him three times in a row. The rest of His band of buddies had also rejected, and abandoned Him in His greatest hour of need. He had told them time and time again what He was about to go to the cross; and yet they left Him completely alone.
You did this as a man, Jesus. You were subject to all the fears, and doubts, and feelings of alienation and solitude as any of us. Despite the temptation to rebuff, or to be understood, You opened not Your mouth. You became just like me, so that I could choose to drink my cup as You did, and become like You. Help me, dear Jesus, to take the high road, to commit my way completely to the Father, to set my hopes on the comfort that comes from you, Holy Spirit. Sustain me, inspire me, and impart to me greater grace, that I might learn from you, and be silent before any and all of my accusers. Amen.

Sheep Shearing (2:21)

“So it was, when all the men of war had finally perished…that the Lord spoke to me, saying, “This day you shall cross over…” DT 2:16

It was a ghost town. There were no tumbleweeds, no creaking, hinge-swung doors on the old saloon; and yet the mood felt every bit as eerie. As we passed these hollow homes intended to bring hope and progress to wandering hordes of “unfortunate” souls, I was struck by the Jordanian gap that exists between desert and promise. To the Chinese government, of course these Tibetan nomads would want to live in two-storey concrete homes in a community with all the services and trappings of modernity, rather than their makeshift, yak-skin yurts. Naturally they would want electricity, heating, convenience stores, hospitals, and schools for their kids, right? Wrong!

It takes more than a change of address to take up residence in our Promised Lands. As Joshua stood on the banks of the Jordan, of the millions who had escaped the oppression of the Egyptians by the Mighty Hand of God, only he and Caleb were left among those who had been twenty or above when Pharaoh’s army was swallowed by the waters of the Red Sea. God could not use those who had grown accustomed to the “right way to fight” in the Wilderness. Clearly Jericho could not taken in the conventional way. Old “weapons” would have to be laid down. Old soldiers would have to die. So what is the key that could open these gates?

A New Mind
Twelve men stood tall, shoulder to shoulder, the pride of the nation. Moses had sent these stellar, hand-picked representatives of each of Israel’s tribes to survey legendary Canaan, the land of their forefathers. Despite testifying of its richness, and tasting its grapefruit-sized grapes, ten of them shrank back in fear. Ten of them imagined themselves to be grasshoppers, besieged by an army of Goliaths. Two, however, refused to be ruled by circumstances. Joshua and Caleb exuded confidence that despite all manner of opposition, Israel could immediately take back the land which flowed with milk and honey. What was it that set these champions apart?

When Moses died, Joshua had been chosen to lead the children of Israel to take possession of the land of the Giants. Would God throw these enemies into the sea? Would He rain fire and brimstone down on them as He had done in Sodom so many years before? Would he cause confusion to come upon them so that they would fight against each other? What was the battle plan? The answer must have jarred Joshua:
     “Never stop reading the Book of the Law [Moses] gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.” Jos 1:7,8 (CEV)

For years Joshua had led the armies in conquest after conquest. His military instincts were strong; his exploits would inspire songs and bedside tales for generations.  But this new battle plan for victory was not like anything he had ever done before: Joshua must renew his mind by a thorough immersion in and obedience to the Word of God. If he would only meditate on and permeate his mind with God’s law day and night, his thinking, his perspectives, his knowledge of God and His ways, would undergo such a transformation that God said no man would be able to stand before him all the days of his life. Daily feasting at the table of God’s promises meant Joshua would never see himself as a grasshopper before any man, ever. Embracing God’s ways over his ways, thinking God’s thoughts and not his own, establishing God’s righteous standards and judgments, Joshua had complete confidence these things would guarantee God’s leadership, protection, and intervention as they pressed across the Jordan River and into fortified cities and strongholds of the enemy.

A Different Spirit
The other key God revealed to Joshua in that historic riverside encounter was that he needed to be “strong and courageous”. It is never enough just to know what is the right thing to do, have the right things to say, or what is the proper way to respond. Many people have tremendous depths of understanding; they just don’t have the guts to do what they know to be right! Brilliance is a great quality, and wisdom is often gained through the crucible of tests and difficulties. But without courage its like having a jet with no fuel, a bite with no teeth, like purchasing a home and not having a penny left to buy lights, flooring, appliances, or a single piece of furniture!

Joshua’s fellow spy and friend Caleb exhibited this principle best. While the rest of the spies gave an evil report about the obstacles and dangers which barbed the way before them, Caleb had set his sights on One who was over all and had the power to not simply gain them entrance into cities, but to literally bring their walls crashing down at his feet. In contract to the others, Caleb boldly declared: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Num 13:30). Beloved, God was listening. The Lord then spoke of Caleb to Moses saying, “he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully” (Num 14:24). After personally praising Caleb, God says the “tentative ten”, the other timid tribal leaders, would die in the wilderness, while Caleb and Joshua would be given the honor of bringing the nation into the Land of Promise.

Much more could be said about these two heroes of the faith. Joshua, armed with a new mentality, perfectly followed the detailed instructions (Word) the Lord gave him to take and conquer the ominous walled city of Jericho. Caleb went on to boldly defeat the Anakim Giants who had defied and thwarted every attack for centuries until this 85 year old spirit-filled juggernaut wiped them out in one of the most impressive acts of courage ever recorded in history.

Your and my success in this life will hinge on whether or not we follow in the footsteps of these two forerunners. Will I whimpishly follow the crowds and cower before the struggles which taunt our generation? Or will I arm myself with a new mind, and a different spirit, and thereby perform exploits which bring honor and glory to the King. The mountain stronghold Caleb conquered was none other than Hebron, the future seat of the King’s throne. We too are being called to hasten the day when the King of Kings will return to sit on His rightful throne forever. To do so, we are going to need a renewed mind like that of Joshua, and a tenacious spirit like that of Caleb.  Amen.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously…and it shall be given to you.” James 1:5

A few months ago the night before an international conference for which I had numerous responsibilities, I went out for a late night walk around the hotel grounds. As I was praying and asking the Lord for wisdom, a dark shape skimmed over the surface of the pond and landed on the branch above my head. I was surprised to see an owl peering down at me in the midst of this Asian urban “jungle” of 8 million people. Still, I took it as a sign, that if “any of you lacks wisdom…it shall be given to you.”  He sat there for the next hour just above me.

The next night before leading the congregation in worship, I shared my owl story. After the service the General Manager and a few members of his staff met me in the lobby. The GM suddenly said, “I can see that God is really with you,” indicating he had been listening to my owl testimony. My curiosity tweaked, I proceeded to ask him and his staff if they had been employed at the hotel for long? Each of them had been there from periods of many months to several years. “Have you ever seen an owl here on the hotel grounds before?” Nope!

Three days ago I was out with the kids at a local park/reservoir. It had gotten dark, and as we were leaving we noticed something out of the ordinary in the road. To our surprise, we stopped to find it to be a small owl with an injured wing. So we decided to bring it home and nurse it back to health. Meet Harvey.

Beloved, these two incidents are not a coincidence. Hebrews 1:1 says God “at various times and in various ways” has always been speaking to His people. So what is He saying to us today? God is willing and waiting to give wisdom to anyone who asks. Sometimes He swoops down with a sudden rush of wisdom that comes to us when darkness surrounds us. Yes, sometimes it comes like a gift, or a thought, or a word. But beloved, He does not just want to stop there. He wants His wisdom to take up residence. Owl bet you hadn’t thought about that! Amen.

What kind of a person does God choose to use? Look no further than the man with whom God formed His covenant to bless all the families of the earth. What did He see in Abraham which solicited His attention and ultimately resulted in an unparalleled endorsement, the likes of which has never been seen among so many nations and over the expanse of millennia? One of the key indicators is found in the name that God gave him: Abraham, the father of nations.

Father here means more than simply the one who started something. God chooses words carefully. For in this case, father is not simply a title given by God; for in Abraham God was setting in place the most vital characteristic of how He builds His Kingdom. God builds through people who are a reflection of His Father heart.

At first glance, one might conclude that God just dropped His entire unconditional promise into his landmark agreement with Abraham. But God’s promise is not the same as a guarantee. Promise precipitates potential. It unlocks resources. Through promise, the thunder cloud of God’s abundant rain of supply and deluge moves into position over us. It is very likely that this same cloud had settled over Abraham’s own father, Terah. But the rain never came down on Terah. For although he “went out” from Ur, he never made it to the land of promise (Gen 11:31).

A more careful reading of the story of Abraham shows that God was not simply interested in finding someone through whom He could bless the earth. He was targeting someone with whom He could partner to bless the earth. There is a big difference. Abraham would not arise as a figurehead. God was not looking for someone on whom to hang a title, or pin a badge. He was searching for someone not simply by whom He would bless the nations, but through whom he could do it. And for this, He needed a father.

There are many examples of how God was proving and testing Abraham not only to be a father, but to become one; not only to have a child, but to raise an heir. We see how the extent to which God was going to bless Abraham grew as he submitted to God’s purposes, believed in His words, obeyed, and sacrificed. And so God did not institute a change in his name from Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham (Father of Nations, or a Multitude) until thirteen years after the initial covenant. God appeared to him numerous times, and in each case, after another vital fathering principle had been exhibited or learned, the promise deepened, and his trust in Abraham grew:

“Arise, walk in the land…for I give it to you.” (13:17)
“When the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away…and they shall come out with great possessions.” (15:11,14)
“Walk before me, and be blameless…I will make you exceedingly fruitful…and kings shall come from you.” (17:1,6)
“Abraham went with them to send them on their way…Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing.” (18:16,17)
“Because you have done this thing…your descendants will possess the gate of their enemies.” (22:16,17)

Sarai too was barren for many years after the promise was given. Her name was changed too only after she had proven that she was not only ready to be a princess (Sarai), but to become a mother of nations (Sarah). Her heart had to be ready before her womb.

It is never promise alone which harnessed God’s greater blessings. In these days of sloppy agape, and easy grace, we have trumpeted the goodness of the God who promises, while neglecting the importance that our faithfulness and obedience plays in releasing the greater things He has prepared for us. We have misinterpreted His blessings as authorization, and in doing so we have glossed over our laziness and passivity rather than pursuing a diligent and excellent spirit. We may have begun well, like Terah who went out from his father’s house and journeyed towards the promise, but who found himself at the end of his life only half way there, living in tents in the town he named after his son who had passed away.

I don’t want to just be blessed; I want to be one through whom God can disburse His blessings. I don’t want to simply point to an abundance of clouds overhead; I want to get soaked. I don’t want to just see His Kingdom come; I want to hasten its coming. I don’t want to just be a good boy; I want to become a father whom God can trust with peoples, and nations. And so I am asking, Lord, not only that I become an heir of Abraham, but that I may walk in his steps, and wear his shoes. O God, make me a father! Amen.

“And [Jacob] said, ‘Please bring [Ephraim and Manasseh] to me, and I will bless them.’”
“Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Get 48:9;16

Journalist Jesse Watters recently asked students from Arizona State University questions that are on the basic US immigration test. How many senators are there in the US Congress? The first respondent could not remember if it was 7 or 12. Perhaps they would do better on a history question? In which year did America achieve independence? What, did you say 1984? And it was not just the year that had them befuddled, the question “from whom” unfurled some pretty awkward answers too.

In fact, very few people these days have appreciation for, much less a working knowledge of history. When “meaningful” communications are transacted with 140 characters or less, and chats disappear into oblivion after 24 hours, it is near impossible to conceive that anything that happened last week, much less last century, would have any bearing on what is going on today. But this memory amputation has consequences. Not only are we doomed to repeat our forgotten pasts, we forfeit our access to untold treasures of wisdom and experience which empower and catapult us forward into the future.

Such was not the case of the heroic patriarchs whose examples have guided and inspired for millennia. They understood that you could not know where you are going unless you know where you are from. They knew that success was measured by generations not weekends. Like the majestic oaks of Lebanon, they knew deep roots were required for these natural towers to tickle the clouds.

Jacob’s 12 Sons
Although Jacob had 12 sons, while he lay on his deathbed, scripture does not tell us that all of his sons brought their sons to have old Jacob bless them. It does not say ten came, or five, or even two. In fact, scripture only records that of all his sons, Joseph was the only one who understood the importance of connecting his own progeny with the generations who had gone before. Do you suppose Ephraim and Manasseh might have been moved to hear this ancient man quote the time 70 years before when the True and Living God personally spoke to their grandpa:
“Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.” 48:4

Their old decrepit grandpa suddenly had their attention, and commanded their respect! With eyes as big as silver dollars, history had just become strikingly relevant in an instant. “God talked personally with grandpa?” “How much land did God promise him?” “That ‘your descendants’ part (gulp!), sounds like he is talking about ME.”

Indeed, Jacob was talking about you, Ephraim, and you Manasseh. It is a good thing your father Joseph had enough sense to take valuable time off from service in Pharaoh’s court to go see him before he died. You have just hit the proverbial jackpot! In what ways, you might ask? Here are just a few of the gems that were disbursed for all to see on that day:

•  they heard of encounters with the Living God
• they heard of promises given, and covenants established
• they heard how these had been personally, successively passed down not just from grandpa, but from grandpa’s grandfather
• they heard of hardships, of battles won and enemies scattered
• they heard of miraculous provision
• they received prophesies about their own destinies
• they received the loving kiss and secure embrace from the arms which had once been locked in an all-night embrace with God Himself

When Jacob heard Joseph was coming, he immediately “strengthened himself and sat up” (v. 2). In order for cultural amnesia to stop, our Jacob’s have to get poised to impart. They have to start reaching back to their Abrahams to activate the promises that have been laid up for those of us who come after.

We are going to need our Joseph’s to come aside from all their “important jobs” and give priority to assuring that the blessings that have come to us are ushered through us to empower our own sons and daughters.

And we will need to see our Ephraims and Manassehs be willing to honor and follow these Josephs as they take us on a journey that leads us back down Memory Lane, and gets us complete and unreserved access to all the blessings, promises, covenants, and inheritances of those who have gone on before us. Yeah, may our sons and daughters “grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” as was prophesied and destined for them by these who are in fact our fathers in the faith. Amen.

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread…” 1 Cor 11:23

Today is the actual day in our calendar during which we commemorate the fateful night when Jesus shared this last earthly meal with His disciples. For most of us, we associate these words with a solemn Communion service. But when I read it today, I could not help but shudder at the words which stood out to me, though I had heard them so many hundreds of times in my life, that Jesus was able to keep His composure, able to keep from reacting, or defend Himself, even though He knew that Judas had already treacherously conspired to betray Him into the hands of His enemies.

Think about it. If you knew that one of the people with whom you were sharing a meal was about to hand you over to those who would torture and kill you, would you be able to keep your cool? Would you be able to stay on task, or hold your tongue back from asking why, or try to defend yourself? Would you have permitted him to dip his hand in the dish with you (Matt 26:23). Indeed, Judas was there through the entire ceremony, betrayer and betrayed, conspirator and the One conspired against. Oh the depths of patience and love!

The Lord’s Supper is only recorded in three of the gospels. Though it is conspicuously missing in John, the meal and the events and conversations before and after are still recorded in great detail. Although John chose to omit the part about the bread and the wine, he is also the only one who elaborated what took place directly following the meal. Here again the matter of the betrayal is raised:

“…having loved His own who in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus…poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.” JN 13:1-5

We should remind ourselves of the context here. Betrayal is one of the most intolerable, debilitating experiences we can have as humans. Judas had been one of the chosen 12! He had walked with Jesus, served next to Jesus, slept next to Jesus. He had seen with his own eyes when crippled men would rise up and dance. He was there to receive a bear hug from the mother of a boy who had been raised from the dead. He had distributed the loaves and fishes. Scripture tells us that this same Judas sat through the entire Lord’s Supper, and even lingered as Jesus humbly washed the dirty feet of each disciple. I imagine Judas must have felt his feet were especially dirty that day. Yet despite hearing the words “you are clean, but not all of you”, he could not bring himself to shake free from the compelling love of the Messiah.

Jesus endured betrayal even though he was subject to the same frailty as each of us. It wasn’t that it did not hurt; it is that He understood how to turn His hurt over to the Father. Despite the present storm, He could remain calm, stay focused, hold things in perspective, resting in the promise and presence of His God and Father.

May you enter into Resurrection weekend as Jesus’ disciples had done on Good Friday 2000 years ago—having witnessed a depth of love, security, commitment, and selfishness, that even before the Cross and Resurrection, you are brought to the place of adoration and worship like I was when I considered: on that same night…he had been betrayed by a great friend.

“Prepare the way of the Lord…” LK 3:4; IS 40:3

John lived his life for one purpose. Everything that he did was to fulfill one mission, and one mission alone. Prophesied by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before John was even born, scripture reveals a critical truth: God has a destiny for you and I to walk in. He prepares us for it. He prepares our parents. He prepares the time and place of our birth, and the important features which will shape us in order that we might be conformed to His will.

Although in one sense John’s mission was unique; he is the only one to baptize Jesus, and to be the voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for His first coming. And yet, in another sense his mission is also yours, and mine. Like John, we are called to remove every hindrance that stands in the way of Christ entering into our world. Like John, we are called to be a voice crying out for people to prepare the way for the Lord to come…to our families, to our schools, our places of work, our cities, our lands. We are called to remove mountains which stand in the way, to raise up valleys, to make rough places smooth, to make crooked places straight. In a very real way, John the Baptist is not just a historical figure. He is an example for us to follow. We too should be living our lives for one purpose, and dedicate ourselves fully to walking in the destiny which God Himself has prepared for us to walk in.

Who is John?
As I studied about John’s role as a forerunner, I was shocked to discover that there has not been written about the ministry of John. How could it be that the person of whom Jesus said “among those born of women there has not risen one greater” could be so overlooked, so lightly esteemed? Perhaps it is because it is hard for us to identify with someone who ate locusts and wild honey, and who dressed in camel’s skin. Perhaps we don’t relish the idea of spending long seasons in a desert place, alone, in obscurity. Perhaps it is his message which we would find difficult. The “Repent!” message is not really that popular in 2017. Most people don’t care to be called a brood of vipers, or told that their actions have eternal implications. Perhaps we would not want to fade into the background as John did, famously stating, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Remarkably, his strange approach and sharp message did not diminish his attraction. Scripture assures us that multitudes came to him from “Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan” to be baptized, confessing their sins. Among them were common folk, working professionals (tax collectors), soldiers, and the religious rulers (Pharisees and Saducees) of the Jews. He even had audience with the King (Herod). Most importantly, among the crowds was God Himself. While it is rewarding to know that people from all walks of life may be interested in what I have to say, and even want to travel long distances to hear it, there is nothing like knowing that my Lord is there when I stand up to speak.

For that is the point after all. We are preparing the way for Him. In order to usher in the One who alone brings transformation, restoring all things, comforting brokenness, healing wounds, bringing unquenchable joy, we need to clear a path in the desert, and build up a highway for the Lord our God. Isaiah identified four categories which need to be dealt with:

1. Mountains and Hills must be leveled. One translation says flattened, and of course Jesus said that mountain cannot be tolerated too, telling his disciples that if they have faith they can say to them to “be removed and cast into the sea” (Mk 11:23). Mountains obstruct our view, and point to false belief systems, lies and “arguments” which exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:4). We have to identify the mountains which have been exalted in and around our lives, the lives of our friends and family, and in our societies and cultures, and them remove them. Unless we do this, there will be no highway to speed people along their way to salvation, and to their destinies.
2. Every valley must be lifted up. The Psalmist refers to the “valley of the shadow of death” (23:4) where we may actually find comfort and instruction, and to the “valley of Baca” (meaning tears, 84:6) which can be made into a spring. Every person experiences valleys in life:  through pain, loss, hardships, and tragedy. We prepare the way for the Lord to touch people in their valleys when we reach out to them compassionately and assure them that we don’t have to go through life’s valleys alone, that their seasons of tears can become a spring of life with the Lord’s help.
3. Crooked places must be made straight. I have met so many people in recent years who are tired of traveling on crooked paths. They are frustrated by wasted years, or wandering, navigating the twists and turns of a perverse generation. They are weary of dealing with deceit, conceit, manipulation, being taken advantage of, and “the swamp”. The knowledge that there even is a straight way to walk in, that there is an opportunity to choose light rather than darkness, goodness rather than corruption, is so welcome that they will come to the voice calling to them in their deserts just like they came to John so long ago.
4. Rough ways must be made smooth. Sometimes it is not life’s crises which hit us the hardest, it is the constant bumps and bruises we feel from the rough ways which affect us the most. As Christians we ride the same roads as our neighbors, but we have something that they don’t have. We have a Source of grace, and we have access to strength. Where once there was fear, we now experience an abiding peace. Our “vehicle” has the best shock absorbers known to man, and it is up to us to let the world know that they don’t have to continue to ride the roads with no padding on rusted and broken springs from days gone by.

When we do our part to be forerunners, as we walk in the power and spirit of Elijah who went before, and John the Baptist who came afterwards, we are preparing a people for God, and we are preparing God to visit His people. Taking this mantle up in our hands positions us to remove obstacles and build highways upon which God meets with us. Every generation has the obligation to pick up this mantle, to live our lives for this single purpose, to follow the example of John. If we do, the promise which was made so long ago will be ours as well:

“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.
And all flesh shall see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” IS 40:5

“Are you able to drink from the cup that I soon must drink from or be baptized as I must be baptized?” MK 10:38

“Are you able to drink” was not an invitation by Jesus to sit down and have a cup of tea. Even as he was about to enter into the most intense sufferings of his life, Jesus was reminding his disciples then, and in fact for all time, that there is a deep cost to following the Master. We may think we would answer “Yes!” to Jesus’ question; yet it’s sobering to be reminded that among his closest friends and chosen leaders of his future church, one would betray him, others deny, and the rest retreat to “safety” out of fear.

In truth, following Jesus has never been easy. Although we like to package our gospel appeal these days with a “softer approach” like “He will give you such wonderful peace”, or “He has a wonderful plan for you”, Jesus’ words cut his followers to the quick. “If any man would be my disciple, he must deny himself and pick up his cross…” No sloppy agape here!

When I read the question during my devotions this morning, “are you able to drink from the cup…”, I found myself wanting to answer “of course!”. And yet, as I bowed to face the question honestly, I realized that I am not that strong. I was confronted with my desire for comfort and security. I was confronted by times when I compromise, or take the easy way. I was confronted by times I make excuses, and reminded of the times when the devil has convinced me that there is not need to get so radical, or excessive. “People will understand”, he whispers. Or he will try to make us believe we are just taking a bold stand because we want people to be wowed by us.

Whenever the subject of suffering for the believer is raised, my mind quickly races back to the memory of the scores of people I have had the privilege of knowing who have suffered intensely for the sake of the gospel. People who have deep physical scars, and burn marks, and disfigurement. People who languished in squalid prisons for 5, 10, 15, yes more than 20 years, simply because they believed. Suddenly I am sobered, warned, and humbled all at the same time. Would I really be able to drink such a cup?

I don’t think any of us are ever really ready for this. While it is true that Jesus’ disciples did abandon him in his hour of need rather than drink the cup at first, they later drank deeply of the cup of His suffering, the tea of his love. All of those first and nearest disciples, with the blatant exception of Judas, drank the cup eventually, and did not dishonor their Lord. Even the weak and cowardly can be made strong by the implanted Word, by the indwelling Spirit, and by the infusion of grace and mercy to help in the time and hour of need. It is never by might nor by power that we are made to stand; never by the exercising of willpower alone that we are able to pass through the fires of such testing times.

In these shaking times, as the darkness intensifies and blankets the world, as evil and lawlessness goes from fierce to fiercer, our dear brothers in China are once again facing persecution. In fact, once “safe” America is no longer sheltered from such militant and aggressive opposition. While it is certainly cause for concern, it is also reason for celebration. On the one hand, it is a sure sign that our redemption “draweth nigh”. On the other, we realize that we are close enough to the Lord Himself that he would invite us to his “tea party”. I think I will take mine with not one lump, please, nor two. If you would not mind, Lord, may I please have three lumps of grace in this one?!

“Trust in the LORD and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.” PS 37:3

David wrote that we are to feed on His faithfulness. What brilliance! When you consider how easy it is for us to feed on anything else—painful memories, negative things, yet-answered prayers (notice I did not say unanswered…), these words are a timeless and powerful reminder that the person who acknowledges that our God never fails will be rewarded. He is building his house in the land of promise; not pitching a tent among the naysayers of doubt.

I have had the privilege of traveling to many nations around the world. I have experienced many cultures, and have had the joy at sitting at their tables. While not every people among whom I have stayed place the same value on food, it is also true that they like their food, and are proud when they are able to offer guests some of their best-liked dishes. In some places I have been, the most important things which are to be discussed are only and ever discussed around a meal. In others, food was so paramount to people’s daily lives that it would not be wrong to say that they had become downright idolatrous towards this quintessential feature of their identity.

If I describe in detail your favorite meal, taking in the aromas as the smoke arises into your nostrils, and the very sight of that thick, juicy steak, or ocean-fresh lobster, does it make you want to eat? Your stomach may be talking to you even now. I believe it universally and immutably true: everyone likes good food!

If we are careful and passionate about what we eat, then are we as careful and passionate about what our mind and our spirits are chewing upon?

David said to “Trust in the Lord…and feed on His faithfulness.” I remember singing the old hymn “Trust and Obey” from the time I was young at my grandparents house. Grammy would play the piano; and my Grandpa was an “old-time fiddler”. My imagination takes me back to the place when my eyes were level with my grandma’s fingers “ticklin’ the keys” as we sang, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” How true! “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”! But how do we get there? Singing these old songs sure didn’t hurt. They were full of the promises of God. But let’s take this a step deeper, and really consider what David is saying.

The person who learns how to meditate on God’s wonderful acts; who has memorized scriptures which chronicle His deliverances, His healings, His practical instructions; yes, the testimonies of how God has always and forever, only to eternity, been true to His word and capable of meeting every demand for which He had committed Himself for every person who has ever belonged to Him. Oo, that was a mouthful. Yes, when I fully consider this, and then choose to pass the tales of His interventions and times of sweet guidance on with my lips, my pen, and my instruments, I am beginning to build a house in which I can “dwell in the land”. You know…live there. Where? God’s land, the one which flows with provision, comfort, and protection. Your Canaan. My Canaan.

I wish it was so easy. I may eat healthy for my body, and yet be a junk-food junkie in my mind. I may watch my diet so as to not to gain weight, and then stuff my brain with my past failures and defeats, or offenses and wounds I have received. Every day, throughout the day, I can choose to reflect upon His promises; or I can get stuck in those ruts of guilt and resentment because I forgot to begin my day with the song “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning…”

God help me, no matter where I am, whether a summer eve or a winter storm season in my life, to set my table in gratitude, to make my shopping list from Psalms, and place all those healthy yummies in the carts of the grace and forgiveness. I am determined to eat right. I am going to feed on the faithfulness of God.