God Laughs…

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:1–12)

When world leaders get together for their summit meetings, there may be some who say in their heart, if not aloud, “We don’t need God or any of his people. . . . we can deal with the problems ourselves.” Whether it comes in  words or mere thoughts, this is a joke in the holy mind of God.

Nothing is said about how the psalm writer knew this about God. All I can imagine is that the Holy Spirit filled him and he laughed himself at the plans of those rulers. Since this is not a normal response to their their threats and behavior, the psalmist realized such a response came from the heart of the Lord. He knew from the revelation of God what God is like and his trust was so deep that the threats made by mere men were simply silly.

My husband often insisted that our children should never imagine “what if” about much of anything. As an adult, I can now see how that thought can easily slip from creative ideas to worry about what will happen. We hear the news and speculate. “What if this happens?” And wander into depression as if our fears are certain possibilities. However, the Holy Spirit lives in me. If He can laugh at the worst our enemies can plot, then I ought to laugh too.

The wife of a pastor who suffered a great deal of depression dressed one day in black. He asked her if someone had died. She said, “Yes, God died.” He said that was preposterous. She replied, “Then why do you act all the time as if He did?”

I’ve been what-if-ing for a few days, imagining that God doesn’t care and will not or cannot do anything about a certain issue. I imagined Him laughing at the foolishness of my request, but now am remembering to hear Him laughing at the problem. It is not a matter of ‘what if’ — but of ‘when’ and ‘be patient’ and even laugh with Him.

Jesus, ‘what if’ and “doubt” go hand-in-hand. Forgive me. I may not hear You laughing but I can read Your promises and trust You to take care of all my ‘what ifs’ and imaginations.

 

A Most Wonderful Imagining…

Yesterday I noticed this verse: “The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 65:25) and commented to hubby that it looks like there will be animals in the hereafter.

Children want their pets to be there. I hope for color and creativity. We all look forward to seeing those who have gone before us. This morning I read Phil Callaway’s devotional and he wondered if there would be golf courses there. Maybe every shot a hole-in-one?

The apostle Paul said, “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Philippians 1:23) He knew that God “has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and that, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Yet there are clues, like the verses about lions and lambs and the promise of being with Jesus forever. And at times the longing for such perfections is great. Callaway rightly says that only Jesus Christ can truly satisfy our thirst. He quotes C.S. Lewis: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Along with these writers, I also wonder how God feels when He sees us hanging on so tightly to this life with its short-lived pleasures. Callaway calls them “a gopher-infested golf course with sand greens like the ones I played on as a kid” and how some seem to dread the home Jesus  has been creating and how it is “a little like trying to explain the pleasures of driving a Ferrari to a two-year-old who would rather play with a cardboard box.”

I don’t care much if there is golf in heaven. I know there is food and likely that includes chocolate? Maybe pizza? Maybe colors I’ve never seen yet? Will I quilt or draw there? I don’t know. 

But I do know this: all that I’ve enjoyed here will not be on my mind when I see Jesus with His arms outstretched to welcome me home. Life with Him will satisfy every desire — forever.

PRAY: Thoughts of heaven are like mental trips to the mountains, or the seashore, or watching a stupendous sunset, or riding an Arab stallion, or painting a masterpiece, or winning a Pulitzer, or watching children at play, or seeing my entire family worshiping You — and You tell me that my heart has not imagined what You have prepared for me. Life here is often an incredible lovely surprise. Heaven will be better? You said it and the joy of knowing that holds me until that day. . . .  Amen.

Above anything I can imagine . . .

In our modern technology, we can create scenes and images limited only by our imaginations. Some of those done for television and movies are so realistic that I often wonder if children can tell the difference. Do such creatures and places really exist?

When I read the scenes and images John saw in heaven, I’ve no doubt they existed. He did his best to describe them yet I cannot ‘see’ them in my imagination. Little wonder that the Bible says, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”(1 Corinthians 2:9)

When exiled on an island, John was given a revelation of Jesus Christ that astounded him and confuses us who read it. There is symbolism but also scenes and characters that are difficult to grasp. Here is what he has to say about the throne of God and how it boggles his mind:

At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: (Revelation 4:2–6)

From this, the word ‘magnificence’ comes to mind. Jesus is magnificent and those who are seated with Him are without flaw, shining and glorious. John goes on . . .

Before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:6–11)

Jesus is presented in the gospels as a king/lion, ox/servant, man/one of us, and eagle/Lord over all, yet these four are not said to be Jesus even though they see everything. Some think they are angels, but whoever they represent, they worship the Lord God Almighty as do the twenty-four elders, also hard to identify.

The only certainty in this incredible vision is that everyone and everything present points to the throne of God and declares Him worthy of all worship and praise and honor. He created all things — no one created Him. This plainly says that I cannot make up God like a graphic artist makes up critters and moving pictures of things beyond human experience. John did not ‘imagine’ what he saw. If he had, he would explain what it all meant. He could not do that; he could only describe it to the best of his vocabulary.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, walking with You is sometimes like that. I cannot always understand what You are doing in my life never mind explain it to the satisfaction of my family and friends, and often not to myself. I just know that You are revealing Yourself to me and causing me to bow in worship before You. I know that You alone are worthy of all honor and praise. I’ve not had a vision like John’s vision, but like him, I know Your love and grace and I know I deserve none of the goodness You have shown me. You are utterly amazing.

Today’s thankful list . . .

- the magnificence of my Lord and Savior.

- His care for His people.

- one day I will see some of what John seen and understand.

- a great medical report: “normal or improved” in all areas!

- the smell of homemade bread.

- leftovers for those days I’m too tired or busy to be in the kitchen.

God can change even the most hopeless life . . .

Another Bible drama hits my list of favorite stories. This time it is not the plot or the people that capture my attention but the power of God. My prayer list contains many ‘hopeless cases’ and this story gives me hope. It also reminds me of my own story.

Stephen, an early disciple, preached a long message that enraged those who had arrested him. They considered the ‘good news’ that he shared was error and put him to death . . .

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. (Acts 7:59–8:3)

Saul was zealous for the God of Israel and not at all open to the way of salvation proclaimed by the disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything they were doing enraged him. He seemed a hopeless case. However, he is a strong reminder that nothing is too hard for God!

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1–9)

Saul soon received a new name, Paul. He became the strongest advocate and preacher of the gospel in the New Testament church. His story is in Acts, his writings fill most of the NT.

How am I like him? I didn’t rage against religion or hate Christians. I just did my own thing, thinking God was a ‘nice guy’ who didn’t care what I did. However, I was searching for answers to questions like, “What happens to me after I die?” I’d read the Bible almost every day for several years without finding the answer. The words were just a jumble in my mind.

One day, while reading a book on reincarnation, a light came into my living room. I knew instantly that this was Jesus, that He is God in human flesh, and that He was here to save me from my sin. I was alone, not blinded but filled with new life and great peace. The Bible began making sense and I had my answers.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, You are the God who can save anyone. When I am praying and interceding for others, especially for those who are considered hopeless, You give me hope. You saved Saul when he was running the other way and persecuting believers. You saved me when I was running the other way and considering a false idea of the after-life. You came as light to both of us because both were in the dark and clueless about Your great saving power. My name did not change, but You changed my life. I’m not even close to being like Saul/Paul, but You put us both in Your family, Your kingdom. What a joy! Thank You. I praise Your powerful Name and Your ability to transform anyone’s life!

Creativity with a caution

As an extremely imaginative person, I understand why some famous writers became alcoholics or suicides, or both. Without the self-control of the Holy Spirit, it is easy to mix reality with the imaginations of creativity. When it happens, the mind can go into overload. Without supernatural power to separate the creative fantasies and plots from the stuff that is actual and real, a person could become mentally deranged.

It could be said that the writers of fiction live in a bubble. Some tell me that when they are involved in a story, their characters seem alive. These imaginary people start making their own decisions and seem to govern the how the story evolves. The author becomes emotionally involved with them and their fictional plot, feeling the passions of their heroes and heroines as they sit in tears before their computers.

My fiction writing is limited, but my stories have involved people who are real to me, even as they are imaginary. I understand the need to guard my heart from getting lost in the fantasy. Even non-writers can become so involved in books or television series that when the main characters suffer, they suffer, so imagine how the writer can struggle with their attachment to the characters they have created.

Today, Chambers talks about visions from God can seem real to His people even before the vision has become a reality. When that happens, our spiritual enemy tries to ruin the vision — which is actually God’s plot for our lives — and we become discouraged at the very least. Chambers uses a bit of a rhyme to illustrate that God allows even struggle because He takes us “down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision.”

Then Chambers adds that it is fires and floods and other struggles that mature our faith so that God can trust us with the reality He has in mind. However, in this struggle we can also resist Him and try to retain our own plans. It might take many trips into many valleys before we give up our own goals and yield to His plans.

Yet God’s vision is not a fictional story. It is a real image of what He wants for me. I’m to be a willing and pliable lump of clay that He can shape into what He wants. I’m to let Him put me “on His wheel and whirl me as He likes” trusting Him that I will turn out like His vision, not losing heart as He shapes my life.

To change metaphors, as the Divine Author, His words reveal what lies ahead for His people. I am one of those characters that plot described here . . .

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:4–10)

Chambers says this as a reminder that before this amazing nonfiction story becomes a reality there is the valley . . .

‘Life is not as idle ore,

But iron dug from central gloom,

And batter’d by the shocks of doom

To shape and use.’

I’m not much for the battering. With my imagination, it is easier to write my own plot rather than wait for God to make His vision known to me, never mind bring it to reality. He works slowly; I’m in a hurry. As Chambers says, over and over again I try to escape from His hand. I like the plot, but am impatient. Too often I write my own story, hoping for a quicker route to a satisfying conclusion, only to find that there is no lasting joy in my substitutes for His promises.