Asides

March 22
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5, NIV)

The arrival of another weekend provides the opportunity to rest, reflect, and re-engage. 

The writer of this psalm (David) wrote it while on the run from his son Absalom (a rogue child if ever there was one). See 2 Samuel 15 for the background.

In critical times, we are reminded of our fragility. We awake from our slumber only because God awakens us. We live, only because God sustains us.

However, we need also to remember that God sustains us when life is sweet and everyone is at peace with us. In every circumstance, give thanks to God for his grace.  – Luther

Tagged , , , , ,
March 21
1 Comment
Uncategorized Aside

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” (Proverbs 31:8, NIV)

Are we channels or are we reservoirs?

Reservoirs are designed to take-in and hold.  Channels give as they receive. God expects us to be the latter.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our responsibility to expend the “capital” we’ve received (whether it be time, talent, or treasure) for the benefit of others — particularly those who are destitute or disenfranchised. God blesses us in order that we might bless, in His name, those who have not.

Jesus came to the lost, the least, and the last.  As His disciples, we can do no more; we should do no less.  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
March 20
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. . . The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:6b, 8, NIV)

In the spring of each year, we are reminded of the splendor of nature as lawns and fields green-up; and flowers add bright colors to every scene. It is wonderful to behold, but we know it lasts only for a season — even if it is repeated next spring.

Isaiah reminds us that we, too, are like the grass and the flowers: Magnificent in many ways, but also fleeting. In the context of more than 6,000 years of recorded history, our singular 70 or 80 years of life is less than a dim spark.  

Isaiah also reminds us that though we are less than a vapor, God’s word endures for all of time and eternity. If we desire any permanence in what we do or say, it must be enveloped in — and consistent with — God’s word. Such consistency comes only through the reading and the heeding of scripture.  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →