Content or contempt?

1 Timothy 6

"But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (v8)

It was tempting to write only about verse 9 and the dangers of riches, but that would have been to skip the dangers of want. Notice shelter is not in the list. I'm not saying we should all be homeless, but even things we consider absolute necessities really aren't (something about foxes and holes comes to mind here). Could I see God's provision in only food and clothing? Can I see God in Kenya or the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala or the coast of the Dominican Republic? I'm stung particularly because some of the most seemingly contented people I have ever met live in one of those three places. I say seemingly contented because I only experienced brief flashes of time with them. This past week in conversation, I said to someone that there appears to be an inverse relationship between what we have and gratitude. It's odd. If someone with nearly nothing is grateful for food and clothing, why can't I be? Rather, why won't I be?

Better late than never

Psalm 110

"The LORD says to my Lord" v1

It would be very wrong to skip Psalm 110 without any reflection. David witnesses a conversation between two members of the Trinity. David sees the declaration of the coming priest-king (v4). Priesthood and kingship did not mix, but there was one coming who would unite the two. Luther called this psalm the main one relating to Jesus.

Syrup on that waffle?

1 Kings 18

"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." v21

See, sometimes God is God, but a lot of the time I am. Do I want a God who offers transactions or do I want to take the risk with a God who cannot be made a debtor? Baal is so much more appealing when I want to think I have control or make myself the center of the universe. God is too intent on showing me reality. Ignorance is bliss for sure.

Continuing Ed, anyone?

Psalm 86

"Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name." (v11)

This stood out to me today. Here, God's greatness and mercy is being extolled. He does great and wondrous things (v10). What, then, does the psalmist ask for from this wonderful Fount of Every Blessing? In the first verses, an answer, life, grace, joy (gladden the soul), listening. In the last verses, grace and a sign. In the middle, though, are are six verses of praise and one request: teach me obedience.

Now, I'm ok with asking for life and grace and joy, but who would actually ask to obey? Only the person who is convinced that obedience is best for his own soul. If we believe God is arbitrary or cruel or aloof, we would never ask and seek obedience. If we, on the other hand, believe God is just and merciful and loving, we're fools to do anything else. Obedience is not about pleasing God (something accomplished solely on the Cross), it's acknowledging that his pleasure is our pleasure; that love overflows in love.

So, am I ready to set aside my own pursuit of death and decay and latch onto the only real hope for lasting peace? Help me in my unbelief.