Definitions are key. So what is an oracle. An oracle is a prophetic word from God. And oracles come in two main forms. First is the oracle of weal. It is an announces blessing from God. It is literally a benediction, a good word. Second is the oracle of woe. It is a word of judgment from the Lord, usually delivered via a prophet.

Example of an Oracle of Weal: Many people may be somewhat familiar with the oracle of weal from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (ESV). That was where God spoke through Jeremiah to tell the people that his shalom would be experienced by future generations of believers, but that the current generation, due to their recalcitrance and incessant sin, would not. Verse 11 is a prophetic announcement by God through the prophet Jeremiah of future blessing/benediction to subsequent believers. It was good news.

Example of an Oracle of Woe: For an example of an oracle of woe/judgment, we can look at Isaiah: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21, ESV).

Here Isaiah is addressing the spiritual blindness of those who continually practice evil. And God is pronouncing judgment upon people and cultures who tolerate, encourage, and condone it. God hates evil; therefore, out of his holiness and love, he calls it out. To not call it out would be to condone it.

Encouragement: Oracles are gifts of God. How so? They demonstrate God’s holiness. They demonstrate God’s love for goodness, transparency, humility, and righteousness. Oracles call us to right living, to hearts in sync with God’s call to us who believe. And oracles remind us of the resulting weals and woes–of the goodness of God.

Today I presided as the chaplain for three–yes, three–military funerals. It is one of the duties and privileges I relish as a minister of the gospel and as a military chaplain. Between the first and second funeral, I had a two-hour break. As we waited for the next family of the deceased to arrive I completed my reading of Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun. Typical of Ishiguro’s style it was sublime and understated. But his theme was commanding–the human need for and power of love.

What’s important to understand, however, is that the protagonist in the novel was an “AF,” (Artifical Friend). The main character was Klara, an AI android machine, that was so evolved and perceptive that she (yes, she’s portrayed with a female pronoun) had learned human emotions, human spirituality, and the capacity for self-sacrifice and love. When the vast majority of people abandoned the girl character of Josie, Klara was the noble and sacrificial one. Ishiguro masterfully explored the cruelty of mankind by portraying how androids are brought in to supplement and/or replace what other people should be, namely, a friend, who loves at all times.

What does this have to do with the apostle Peter? A great deal. This coming Sunday, I am slated to teach 2 Peter 1:1-15 to the saints of Christ Covenant Church (3cs-canton.org). What’s Peter’s topic in those verses? It’s what the Christian life is to look like. He lists several traits that evidence the reality of being a Christian:

• Faith
• Virtue
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Steadfastness
• Godliness
• Brotherly affection
• Love

Ishiguro is a wise writer. Peter was an apostle of Christ. He was Jesus’ lead apostle. Peter, though a fallen man like the rest of us, triumphed in the end. He persevered in the faith. He penned two New Testament epistles that bear his name in church history. He equipped the saints. He taught. He shepherded. He labored in the truth for the sake of his people. He died a martry, being crucified under Nero in Rome, Italy in the mid-60s A.D.

And how did Peter end this section of his second letter? With these words:

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things (2 Pt 1:12-15, ESV).

Encouragement: Great literature is great because it deals truthfully, wisely, and beautifully with the enduring realities of human experience. Ishiguro’s novel was about the need for love, the beauty of self-sacrifice for a higher cause, and for connection. Peter labored and spent himself for the sake of Christ and those Christ ransomed from the talons of Satan and hell. In both cases, what was necessary was sacrifice, denial of self, and love. In short, the gospel.

Questions: Have you ever endured a gathering where the spirit that was supposed to be there was absent? Have you ever felt like you were supposed to come away feeling filled but you departed feeling empty, as if you’d just gone through the motions?Probably, many people have shared this experience.

There is a danger associated with this, too, however–namely, that we can go chasing adrenaline experiences that are intellectually insipid and spiritually vapid. Many folks are caught up in that pattern. They doomscroll for entertainment to stave off having to engage with serious thought or reflection. Many people cannot endure silence. To be stuck alone with oneself is torture because they might not like what they see. It might drive them to self-reflection and accountability. So, the response is to turn away, to engage in more distraction, to deflect, to be entertained.

Scripture Speaks to This: When the prophet Isaiah wrote in the 700s-600s B.C. he addressed the culture of his day with these same hard sayings. He spoke the truth. And the people didn’t like it. Prophecy is not for the morally weak. Engage in a prophet’s work and you might get the prophet’s reward–stoning, shunning, beheading, exile, or murder. But if you’re God’s man, all will be made right. But there’s a lot of pain involved.

When Isaiah opened the book that bears his name in the Old Testament, he rebukes Judah (the southern kingdom) straight out of the gate: “Why will you still be struck down?” (Is 1:5). It’s a rhetorical question that is a clear rebuke. And Isaiah rebukes empty ritualism–this going through the motions–that characterized so much of religiosity:

“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
    says the Lord;
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
    and the fat of well-fed beasts;
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
    or of lambs, or of goats.

¹² “When you come to appear before me,
    who has required of you
    this trampling of my courts?
¹³ Bring no more vain offerings;
    incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—
    I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
¹⁴ Your new moons and your appointed feasts
    my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me;
    I am weary of bearing them.
¹⁵ When you spread out your hands,
    I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
    I will not listen;
    your hands are full of blood.
¹⁶ Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
    remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
¹⁷     learn to do good;
seek justice,
    correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
    plead the widow’s cause. (Is 1:11-17)

Empty Ritualism: Like many others, my wife and I enjoy live music. Over the many years, we have seen some great shows–B.B. King, John Mayer, Selah. I remember seeing Pink Floyd (yes, I’m that old); Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Billy Joel, the Eagles, Kansas, Willie Nelson, and many, many more. And what set some of those shows apart was that there was a sincere love and communication going on between the musicians and us (the hearers). We knew their words; we knew their tunes; their songs played a big part in shaping us as individuals. Our memories played their tunes in the soundtrack of our lives. And the best of these individuals and/or groups got it. They understood that music is more than just sound; something spiritual is going on.

Segue: How much more important, therefore, should be our relationship with God? Is it not the most important issue? “Who do you say that I am?” is a life-altering question. That’s what Jesus posed to Peter, you’ll remember (Mt 16:15-17, e.g.).

Takeaway: God spoke through Isaiah. God’s message was that he hates “vain offerings” (v. 13) and that’s he is “weary” of all the ritualism (v. 14b). What God calls for is pure worship from hearts and minds purified by the refining fire of gospel truth. That’s not ritualism. That is full worship. In Hebrews 12:28-29, the writer says, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverance and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

The kingdom of God is received; it’s not something we sinners manufacture or gin up. But if we have been born again by the Spirit of God, our worship will be theocentric and full–not of entertainment and filler, but of depth and a reverence for the holiness of God. Empty ritualism is a sign that Ichabod is writ large upon the door. But where God’s Spirit is at work among his people, we will bless the Lord at all times, with all that is within us (Ps 34:1).

“Hey, sir. Got a minute?” the soldier asked.

“Of course. Have a seat.” He pulled out one of the silver folding chairs and sat down.

He got right into it. No small talk. I liked him right away.

“You ever feel like God is silent?” he asked. “I mean, I pray. I repent daily. I really do. But sometimes I keep praying and asking God to show me, and it’s just silence.”

Through previous conversations, I knew him to be a believer, a Christian, a man familiar with Scripture. And he has always had, since I’ve known him, a quiet and dignified, serious way about him. He struck me always as a thoughtful man, not one skating upon the surface of things.

“You remember the persistent widow in Scripture, right?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Remember what Jesus said at the end of that illustration about her, the persistent widow?”

He thought in silence.

He said, “‘And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night?'”

“I know.”

“Remember David?” I asked, “that he sought the Lord and the Lord answered him and delivered him from all his fears?”

“I know,” he said. “I just feel like God is silent, like he won’t confirm things to me.”

“I hear you. May I ask you something else?”

“Yes.”

“Are you seeking something in addition to Scripture, some sign or voice to make it all real to you?”

“Yes, exactly!”

“Again, I know you know Scripture, but didn’t Peter speak to this tendency we have–to want something additional?”

He sat in silence, looking at me, and looking inward.

“In his second letter, Peter wrote as a man who’d been with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. He was an intimate friend of Jesus, one of his inner circle . . .”

“Yes,” he said, leaning in.

“But what did Peter remind us of if not the prophetic word more fully confirmed?”

“I know. It’s just . . .”

“What does Jesus tell us again and again in his Word if not to ‘Fear not’ and ‘Be not afraid’ and that he’ll not forsake his sheep?”

“I know,” he said.

“Let me propose an either/or. Is it wise to be led by our feelings and external signs or by his Word?” I asked.

“I just feel like he won’t answer,” he said. “And I’m just so tired.”

“Is the cross not the answer? Is not the Holy Spirit inside of you the answer?” I asked.

“I see,” he said.

We spoke for over an hour–about his past, present, and future. We spoke of our ministries. We spoke of our families. We spoke of military life and the tolls it exacts.

His shift was nearing its end, and we shook hands yet again. “You speak truth, chaplain. I appreciate it.”

“If I don’t do that, brother, I’m in the wrong lane.”

“We’ll talk more,” he said.

“Yes, we will, brother.”

He grabbed his ruck and exited to go get a shower and some rest. I opened my pocket Bible I keep in my right cargo pocket and turned to Romans: “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Rom 8:33-35)

Lord, thank you for times like this–times I could never orchestrate in my fallen, sinful, human strength. Teach me to be tender to those you’re dealing with, so that they discover the light in the darkness. You are not far from each of us. We just have to listen. You were here, are here, and will be here. Grip this man, confirm your Word to him, encourage him, and surround him with your presence. You intercede for us when we can’t find even the words to express the anguish we all sometimes feel. Intercede, Lord, for my brother. Comfort him.

Death is an enemy. In the Christian worldview, it’s called “the last enemy.” Paul wrote, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor 15:26).

This piece has two points: 1) Death is inevitable and 2) For all who are in Christ, death ushers Christians into the very presence of God. Death is, therefore, to be understood as a transition into God’s presence. Why? Because of the person and work of Christ.

This past week, I ‘lost’ a friend, Mr. David, to death. Leukemia ravaged his body. Physically, his white blood cells were eating the healthy blood cells. He had to have injections of platelets–again and again. But eventually, even that was insufficient.

First, like you, I feel the deep pain of loss. But I do not grieve as those without hope. God is bigger than death. Through Christ, God has conquered death for his people. And God is omnipresent; he is as near you as the person to your left and right. Near to us in our time of sorrow. Know that in your bones. God is near. 

     Let us acknowledge the sorrow of this time. We know that God understands sorrow. Jesus wept at the loss of a friend. In John 11, the apostle John records that when Jesus lost his friend Lazarus, Jesus “was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” (Jn 11:33) and in verse 35, the apostle John records that Jesus wept. 

     Mr. David worked in the IT field for much of his career, then Disney in his later years, and was a “fixer” of almost anything. Prior to his civilian career, he was a U.S. Marine, and worked on helicopters. I knew him after he’d retired. He was a faithful churchman, businessman, and an avid traveler. He and his wife and their friends traveled across the country many times and have set foot in all 50 states. And their stories of RVing with friends made for many sweet conversations I had with them both. 

     When I was Mr. David’s Sunday school teacher and pastor, he was undergoing medical treatments, I’d always go to him and ask how his week was. He’d never complain. He’d answer my question but always end with, “I’m blessed. I’ve had  a good life.” I could tell he was in pain, but true to his nature, he didn’t complain. He eschewed the temptation lesser men might’ve had to feel sorry for themselves. And he’d invariably encourage me by saying kind words about my teaching and ministry, and we’d laugh and embrace. He was an encourager. 

     When I reflect on Mr. David’s legacy, I always remember him telling me of his peace. His supernatural peace. He did not fear death. Because he knew he’d open his eyes not in judgment but in benediction in God’s presence. Let me say this lovingly: Mr. David died well. Like Job, he knew that his redeemer lives, and he (Mr. David) also lives, because Jesus had prepared a place for him. So, yes, we grieve, but not as those outside of the gospel. 

     For all who are in Christ, death is not the end, life is. It’s a transition into the presence of God. Jesus, who cannot lie, promised resurrection and heaven to his people. 2 Cor 5:8 says that the believer, when away from the body, is at home with the Lord. 

     In his last letter he penned, the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Tim 4:7-8). 

     So, to the extended family, friends, and all who loved him, we love you and we loved Mr. David. We acknowledge our sorrow, but we also have the ultimate victory through Christ the Lord. 

     Let me leave you with this: If you are in Christ, dear ones, you will see Mr. David again. All will have been made well. But there’s one condition: be in Christ. Be in Christ and be made whole, be made well. I will see you again, dear brother. Well done. See you soon. 

Text: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise” (Pr 11:30).

Question: Who would not want to be such a person?

Reflections: The idea here is one of blessing other people by being a blessing, to speak the words of life to another soul, to point others to fruitfulness and bounty rather than tearing others down and leaving them devoid of rescue and the hope of redemption.

A similar thought occurs in Daniel 12:3: “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

In the picture above, the tree is in bloom. It shouts life. It shouts health. It trumpets beauty and vitality. Who would not want to be a vessel of such a message? That is, who would not long to be part of God’s plan to rescue and restore people to spiritual health? Those who hate God and hate redemption. Those who are anti-life.

This is why the Christian is outward-focused. He has tasted the water of life; therefore, he longs to pay that forward. As the old cliche goes, it’s one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. The bread of life (Jesus) has come down as the manna from heaven to feed the hungry souls of men.

We are wise when we do this, when we are diligent to sow the seeds of the gospel. Pray that God tills the soil of the heart. May we long to see trees of life because of the great work of the triune God. The author of life died upon a tree in Jerusalem and was raised imperishable and undefiled three days later to show us that death for the believer is to meet God face to face and not be condemned. May we speak the words of life to all and pray for God to grant eyes and ears to see that eternal life awaits.

Recently I completed another reading of the 150 psalms in Scripture. Psalms come in myriad genres. Below are some of those types:

• Prophetic
• Royal
• Messianic
• Celebration
• Lament
• Wisdom
• Worship

There are other types, too, but those are some of the most common.

I was struck particularly by some verses from Psalm 145 recently:

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
¹⁸ The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
¹⁹ He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he also hears their cry and saves them.
²⁰ The Lord preserves all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy. (Ps 145:17-20)

Several thinks stood out from these lines from David’s pen:

• The righteousness of God (v. 17)
• The fellowship with God (v. 18)
• The covenant faithfulness of God (v. 19)
• The salvation of God (v. 20)

Because I’m burdened for those who remain hostile to God, because I want to reach them with the good news of the gospel, I try to always understand their worldview. I think, for example, of how a person who rejects God deals with the reality of cancer or loss or divorce. As a person who believes God and believes these biblical attributes of God described above, I am promised the righteousness of God, fellowship with God, God’s fidelity to his covenant promises, and the salvation of God.

But the unbeliever who rejects these truths, where does he find hope? In psychological pep-talks? In bubblegum bromides? In horoscopes? In sundry forms of escape and endless distraction?

God’s nature is characterized by covenant faithfulness. God cannot lie. Unlike sinners, God cannot lie. That is crucial to understand. And it is a truth that brings the believer solace of soul. In a world drowning in deceptions, the balm from Gilead is covenant faithfulness found only in God, a salve for the pilgrim’s soul.