Seat of Mockers

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
Psalms 1:1

I sat in the seat of mockers this week and I must say my faith has wavered ever since.

For the most part, just prior to this experience, the “Everlasting Joy” found in Christ was graciously forming within me. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control where all growing. I could nearly taste the great bounty to come. I was, “in a good place”. The approaching holidays added fuel to my refreshing demeanor.

But, I sat with mockers. They even hinted of,

“Breaking my chains; throwing off my fetters." Psalms 2:3

I’m sure the one enthroned laughed. I’m sure God rebuked and advised that he has already installed his King on Zion, his holy hill. Psalms 2:4-6

But I didn’t. I didn’t take a stand. Rationalizing that there is a time for everything. Rationalizing that jest and amicable conversation is always the best policy. But why? Why didn’t I forcefully oppose the flippant words?

Did I contribute to the shame of Glory? To the delusions and false gods? Psalms 4:2

My soul has experienced anguish. Psalms 6:3

Betrayal, pains the traitor greatly.

Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer
Psalms 6:8-9

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me
Psalms 7:1

My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart
Psalms 7:10

Heed the instruction of God. Do not run from his wrath. But, run toward his love.

If for some reason there is a lack of confidence that comes over you, a lack of faith that places you with the wicked, with the sinner, with the mocker; find strength in the freely offered grace of God and know that Jesus the Christ is with you.

As Brennan Manning wrote in “The Ragamuffin Gospel”,

“I am with you, I am for you, I am in you. I expect more failure from you than you expect from yourself.” Christ.

Hand of God

While wandering the shore of a local lake this morning an unusual form of wood drifted my direction. Not a major occurrence, however in light of my yesterday, quite a moment.

Please allow a brief drift backwards for clarification.

It was the day before today that two prophets, in trash, entered my personal peripheral. One struck me as quiet and reclusive while the other seemed slightly more aware of the world’s ways. One more rotund; the other appeared lean. One simple in knowledge; the other “educated”. But both where singing their song to the world. By chance - by grace - their parts' came into harmony with mine for the slightest lapse of time.

The first encounter must be a story for another day, for it was the later prophet that tended to find his passion in drifts of wood. He, in practice as well as theory, is a compilational sculptor. He reconciles former energies found in trash, takes old forgotten pieces of creation, and transforms them into visual stimuli. He’s folk - with a fine art feel. (This fellow was in town conducting an art exhibition at the University of North Alabama)

So – needless to say, I had been influenced in my “crazy” as I noticed sopping dead wood floating across the surface of the water this morning.

The specific portion of wood that sang out this morning was small, not too interesting; until the reflection of water, sunlight, and limb in crescendos formed the miraculous. The “Hand of God”. (To slide back to our first prophet, he questioned, Do you believe in miracles?) To be precise the stick appeared to resemble a human hand nailed to a cross. A figurative “Hand of God” was before me. Why was it separated from his Body I wondered? What would cause the “Hand of God” to be severed from his “Body”?

In full “crazy” I began to figure in retrieving our Lord’s hand. Now, I was on my way to work, so wading into the frigid waters did not seem to be a valid plan. So I began to comb the shore for the perfect utensil to fish out Christ’s hand. As I approached, I began to laugh. How appropriate – a portion of the “Cross” was just down stream. I leaned in and returned back to Jesus. But the cross was not long enough for the job. Interesting. I clogged back into the wood and found a quite long and sturdy stick. A very ordinary stick. One of no real importance. It did the job. Yes, I am currently in possession of the “Hand of God” as well as a piece of the “Cross”. The old stick was disposed of as soon as his purpose was fulfilled. But the “Cross and the Hand” remain with me.

Has the hand of God been removed from his body?
Are we as his body carrying out his will or are we without hands?
Are we in line with his will?
Do we know his will or at least pursue the process?
Although, the “Cross” is our salvation – does God need the use of an ordinary stick to bring things back together?

Sing your Song – Harmonize with God – Harmonize with Man – Live your Purpose – Not for self but for the union of Christ’s body, hands, and cross – All created by God…

Delicacy

“I want to have my keel deep and stable in the once-for-all biblical revelation of God, yet I also want to have my sails unfurled to every movement of God's Spirit upon the deeps.” John Piper

Great quote…

Lord, steep our souls in your word. Direct us in the path of contemplation and reflection. Help us to digest your word so that it is written in our hearts. So that we taste it, not just as sustenance – but as delicacy to be savored. Do not allow a simple academic study of a book, but grace us with a touch so deep that the ground shakes.

Lord, as your Spirit guides, let us have faith to follow. Let us be irrational in our love for you and our love for your sons and daughters. Let us be sustained by your power and your glory. When we fall, Lord, lift us up by the light of your face found within the Word.

True Security

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men; the testimony given in its proper time...I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
1 Timothy 2

Trust in the LORD.

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalms 4

Now that this race is over - Let's get back to the one that offers - True Deliverance - True Salvation

From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Psalms 3