Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #312: The Bereans’ Nobility

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Introduction: One of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken has been to Greece. One time when I was there with my dad, we took in all the normal tourist sites in Athens, but one place that has since become even more meaningful to me was standing in Athens at the Areopagus. Why? That’s where Paul offered his great Christian apologetic/reasoned defense. It’s one of the most powerful passages in all the New Testament. It’s a master class in rhetoric, logic, and argumentation.

But right before Paul’s masterful speech, Luke records for us this profound compliment: “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Ac 17:11, ESV). He called them noble. Why? Because they were discerning, wise, Scripture-soaked people. They didn’t just go along with some message because it was trendy or en vogue. No, they searched the Scriptures. They examined everything crucial in the light of God’s revealed will.

Encouragement: It is ironic that we are living in a day when we have more gadgets than ever before but so little wisdom. We have iPhones, iPads, Apple watches, tablets, laptops, smartphones, texts, emojis, memes, simulacra unending, but where is wisdom? Where are noble Bereans? May the Lord be pleased to quicken a generation of wise warriors and thinkers and leaders. There’s a world of difference between information and wisdom.

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #311: The Alternatives (Lessons from Daniel)

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Introduction: Daniel is one of the most debated books when it comes to its prophetic sections. There are some cryptic passages about which there’s no paucity of debate. But what is clear in the section I want to look at in this piece is Daniel 11:32-35. These four verses speak to a vital issue, namely, the alternatives facing a people. Follow me …

Text:

32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. 33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. 34 When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, 35 and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. (Dan 11:32-35, ESV)

Most scholars with which I’m familiar teach that the man referred to here is Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 160s B.C. and the Maccabean revolt that resulted due to Antiochus’ destruction and profanation of the temple in Jerusalem.

First, what interests me here is how “the wise among the people” (v. 33) behaved. What does the text say about them? It says they “knew their God” and that they “[stood] firm” and “[took] action” (v. 32).

Second, the wise helped others understand because destruction was afoot (v. 33).

Third, a winnowing occurred as part of judgment (vv. 34-35). In other words, purification.

God was refining His people. He was separating wheat from chaff. He was using suffering to purify His people. He was teaching them.

Encouragement: The alternative was made plain, in other words. God’s people could either bow to the pagan forces and capitulate or they could stand firm in the Lord, and fight for truth and light. This is simple but not easy. Simple, I say, but not easy.

Literary Zinger from O’Connor

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Last week I was with some friends in Savannah. Again I went through O’Connor’s childhood home and imbibed more of O’Connor’s history and literary genius.

This week I reread her marvelous book Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose. In it are many gems, but here was one that is so revealing of O’Connor’s keen mind. She was addressing the dumbing-down and democritization of literary excellence:

The Christian writer will feel that in the greatest depth of vision, moral judgment will be implicit, and that when we are invited to represent the country according to survey, what we are asked to do is to separate mystery from manners and judgment from vision, in order to produce something a little more palatable to the modern temper. We are asked to form our consciences in the light of statistics, which is to establish the relative as absolute . . . . He will feel that any long-continued service to it will produce a soggy, formless, and sentimental literature, one that will provide a sense of spiritual purpose for those who connect the spirit with romanticism and a sense of joy for those who confuse that virtue with satisfaction. The storyteller is concerned with what is; but if what is is what can be determined by survey, then the disciples of Dr. Kinsey and Dr. Gallup are sufficient for the day thereof (30-31).

Boom!

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #310: The Matter of Separation vis-a-vis the Truth

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The Issue: The Matter of Separation vis-à-vis the Truth

Background: For over a year now I have been teaching the saints from class. We are near the end now of Matthew’s gospel. This Sunday we will be in Matthew 26. This is where the chief priests and elders plot together to kill the Lord Christ. It is also the section in Matthew’s gospel where a woman anoints Jesus’ body with very expensive ointment she pours from her alabaster flask. And do you know what’s happening? A separation is occurring. A division between the spiritually hardened (the chief priests and elders) and the spiritually regenerate and tender (the woman with the flask of ointment) unfolds in real. Two types: those hostile to the truth vs. those who embrace the truth.

Jesus’ Words about the Woman:

10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Mt 26:10-13, ESV).

Teaching: In sum, Jesus was rebuking those who were more concerned with criticizing the woman than with embracing Him as the only Savior. They were more concerned with external appearances and finances. Meanwhile Jesus says this woman’s obedience will remain forever lauded wherever the gospel is proclaimed. How’s that for a commendation?

Encouragement: When your desire is to please the Lord, rest assured that separation will occur. Those whose longing is for the approval of man will resent you. But your obedience is known by the Lord Christ. Stay true, stay humble, and trust the Lord.

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #309: (3) Profound Verses about Discernment

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Introduction: There are three verses in Proverbs 9 that are utterly profound. Here they are:

7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
    reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction  to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. (Pr 9:7-9, ESV)

How are they profound?

In at least (3) ways:

  • It is unwise to try and lead scoffers. They’ll just resent you for it. That’s what vv. 7-8a teach.
  • It is wise to try and lead the teachable, the wise, and the humble. That’s what v. 8 teaches.
  • It is wise to invest in those who are genuine; it is unwise to exhaust yourself upon the posers/impostors/foolish. That’s a summary of all three verses.

What’s Proverbs about as a whole? Wisdom.

Encouragement: There’s a stunning passage in John 6 where many folks walked away from the Lord Jesus, truth incarnate. Verse 66 of John 6 reads, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV). That should break your heart, folks. They abandoned the Holy One, the truth-teller. They simply left. And yet that is what God used as part of His plan to redeem His people. We cannot miss that or we misread Scripture.

67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

So how is this encouragement, you ask? I think it’s this: We are told and shown up front in Scripture that truth divides. Most don’t want it; they in fact hate it. That’s why Jesus was treated the ways He was. When truth appears in history, we sinners have a tendency to crucify it. But truth won’t be silenced. It rises from the grave, you see. Why? Because God will not be mocked. Truth eventually is revealed. Let us teach those who desire it, and know up front what Solomon taught in Proverbs and what Christ Himself taught in the Gospels. Just be faithful, entrusting the results to God.

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #308: Leadership Lessons

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Introduction: In 1 Samuel 28 we read this episode of wicked King Saul first disguising himself to get his way. Second, wicked King Saul practices necromancy in this episode. He consults a medium and summons the dead. Third, we see wicked King Saul be again rejected by God due to his (Saul’s) disobedience and lack of integrity.

  • Disguises
  • Spiritual darkness
  • Divine rejection

First, “So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night” (1 Sam 28:8a, ESV). Disguises. Masks. Saul’s wickedness is on full display.

Second, “And he [Saul] said, ‘Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.’” (1 Sam 28:8b, ESV). That’s spiritual darkness on full display. Consulting a medium is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Lev 19:31; 20:6, 27; Dt 18:10-12; 1 Sam 15:23).

Third, the truth-teller and prophet of God again was the vessel through which God rejected wicked King Saul:

15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” 16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Sam 28:15-19, ESV)

  • Disguises
  • Spiritual darkness
  • Divine rejection

Encouragement: What we see repeatedly with the wrong leader is narcissism and weakness of character. Saul was a man of disguises, of masks. He was a fraud. His kingship was characterized by darkness, secrecy, suspicion, envy, and insecurity. What he feared more than anything else was for the spiritual lights to shine in on his backroom deals. Finally, however, we see God remove him. God had his truth-teller Samuel who again served to teach wicked King Saul that he was a dead man walking.

How is this instructive for us? We are to be a people of discernment and not be deceived by the Sauls of the world. We’re to seek out leaders who care for the sheep rather than fleece the flock for their own comfort. We are to watch how our leaders respond to demands for transparency and for the light to be shone upon them. Lord, forgive us for falling for salesmen. Teach us to cultivate authentic shepherds. Equip us to understand the times in order that we know what to do. Raise up Godly shepherds for Your people.

Deer at Dusk

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This evening after the showers ended, the wind died down and I knew the deer would be out. We took Lady, our Cavalier King Charles, on a little stroll in our neck of the woods. Sure enough, the deer were out, too. More September soul food.

Savannah Scenes & Fun Time with Friends

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Took some military leave and enjoyed a few days and nights with friends and family in Savannah. I’ve spent a great deal of time in Savannah. Each time I fall in love with parts of it. We were again blessed to take in more of its history, lore, flavors, sounds, and smells.

I never tire of the squares under the live oaks and spectacular people-watching.

There was yet another wedding in Forsyth Park, but the statue was in AL for a few more weeks of restoration. The gray squirrels scampered just inches from us, and the tourists munched on ice cream cones and sipped drinks. The S.C.A.D. kids were not difficult to discern, as their outfits were chosen to catch the eyes of all who dared observe. And of course there were loads of tourists from around the globe.

I especially enjoyed going through the childhood home of one of my literary heroines, Flannery O’Connor, again. I spoke with the young lady running it, and was blessed by her because she, too, was a close reader of O’Connor’s literary genius.

We took in the ghost tours and trolley rides, too, where the guides narrated particular anecdotes from Savannah’s colorful history.

Pictured above is O’Connor’s baby stroller where she was the occupant.

For the first time, we took in the maritime museum. Wowsa! So educational.

Grateful for sweet friends who made the trip so enjoyable and special. Grateful for simple joys like trips to the low country.

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #307: Biblical Reminders about Leadership

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Introduction: It is perhaps a story from history with which you are familiar. It’s the story of David being anointed king. It’s found in 1 Samuel 16. But we dare not allow familiarity blind us to profound truths here, namely, that it was God who provided the king, and that it was the circumcised heart of a man (David) that God used to shepherd His people in distinction from the uncircumcised heart of a false shepherd (Saul) that wrought destruction upon the people.

Text from 1 Samuel:  

16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest,[a] but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

Teaching: In the very first verse, we read this—that God provided for Himself a king. In other words, God was doing what man fails to do—be 100% faithful. Was David going to be 100% faithful? No, of course not. He would sin grievously against Uriah, with Bathsheba, in his failure to deal with Absalom, and on and on. But the point is that God was pointing the way to the pattern of how short we sinners fall. We fail. We demand Sauls. We get what we deserve in our choice of leaders. Therefore, God, being rich in mercy, provides for Himself the King. In the temporary and immediate sense here, that king was David. In the infinitely greater sense, that King is Jesus, the Christ.

Second, will you notice the command to discern? It comes in v. 7: But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I don’t know how that could be any clearer. Discern. Learn to discern. Learn to think deeply and not fall for salesmanship and empty suits. Why? Because what’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.

Encouragement: We fall short. Therefore, God satisfies what He demands—perfect obedience. David was a type and shadow of the greater David who was to come, the Lord Jesus. Second, we still must learn to discern. It is a commandment of God. It serves both our own good and God’s glory, two patterns that are inextricable.

Another Reason to Believe

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Intro: I had a few hours of drive-time ahead of me. Several hours alone in my car. A friend from Sunday school had sent me a text message that said, in short, “Watch this. Important.”

After I labored to teach the saints from Matthew 25 this morning, I was once again on the road, headed out. Back to work.

The power of music: As is my custom, I had a few moments of unfiltered thanksgiving where I told the Lord what He already knew: “Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities You gave me yet again today … to love, to serve, to teach, and to be with Your saints. There’s nothing like it, nothing I love quite so much. I don’t deserve a seat at Your table. I’m well aware of this. Therefore, from the bottom of my being, thank You for mercy.”

Then, again, as is my custom, I put on my favorite driving tunes for the drive back to post. My go-to music includes the Allman Brothers Band, the Beatles, scores of tunes from Van Morrison, Cream, John Mayer, E.L.O, E.L.P, Rush, Zeppelin, more Beatles, the Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS), the Eagles, Johnny Cash, Jackson Browne, George Jones, and more. But mostly, it’s the ABB.

Perhaps it’s because I spent most of the formative years of my life a stone’s throw from Macon and know the ABB’s zip code today as well as I knew it then. I still hate the heat and humidity and gnats, but in terms of music, the ABB’s best tunes pluck my soul’s strings like little other soulshine.

But back to reasons to believe… My friend Jim had texted me. As a former Roman Catholic steeped in reliquaries, he said, in sum, “Send this out.”

I listened to Jeremiah, the interviewed scholar, non-stop. He was/is clearly very bright and steeped in academia and history. I was hooked.

What’s the draw? Science, evidence, empiricism, blood samples, 3-D imaging, non-reproducibility, etc. It can all get technical, but Jeremiah (PhD from Oxford) kept it relatable.

Showing my cards: I don’t believe this is a clincher argument, to be sure. Most will not believe. We are told that up front in Scripture (John 3:18-36). But for those with integrity, with those who will truly follow the evidence, for those who say, “If You’re there, I’m here. And I’ll follow the truth!” then this is gold. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/rKMQY49py4w?si=W08vly-42yL94a_X

Jim, thank you, brother.

Press on.

My goal is to see you both in the end zone and hear, “Welcome …”