Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“Hezekiah set to work resolutely and built up the entire wall that was broken down, and raised towers on it, and outside it he built another wall, he also strengthened the Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance.” 2 Chronicles 32:5

2 Chronicles 32 captures the story of Hezekiah, the war time King, preparing for the onslaught of an invading army that could easily destroy his kingdom.  Hezekiah had led the nation in implementing spiritual reform and leading the nation in a revival, “he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.” Yet now he is facing another threat, instead of a spiritual crisis, a physical crisis. “After these things and these acts of faithfulness, King Sennacherib of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself.” (32:1)

Hezekiah does all the necessary and proper preparations for war; outside the wall he built another wall, reinforced the inner city, made weapons and shields in abundance and appointed commanders. As the vast army of King Sennacherib moved into place, Hezekiah rallied the nation.

Hezekiah understood the importance of making all the standard military preparations, but he knew, more importantly, that prayer was an essential and critical part of preparing for battle. Standing before the people he encouraged them saying, “Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and the horde that is with him; for there is one greater with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”

Crisis leadership brings out the best and the worst in leaders. Franklin D. Roosevelt reassured a nation with his famous fireside chats throughout the years of the Great Depression and ultimately World War II. England’s opposition leader, Hugh Dalton, said of Winston Churchill that he was “the only man we have for this hour.” Churchill led his nation through the difficult years of the war with determination, focus and energy until victory was achieved. Yet in the years following, he failed as a peace-time leader.

Hezekiah did well in crisis; for he trusted fully in the LORD. Yet in prosperity and peace, Hezekiah didn’t do well as “many brought gifts to the LORD in Jerusalem and precious things to King Hezekiah of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from that time onward.” In the years of peace and prosperity, Hezekiah failed to keep his eyes on God and focused more on the adoration and praise given him by others.

How easy to forget God when life is easy, when the storehouse is full. We can never stray from staying in alignment with God. Our pride will be our downfall – personally, or as a nation. “Sin is not what is wrong with our minds; it is the catastrophic disorder in which we find ourselves at odds with God.” (Eugene Peterson)

“Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.” Thankfully God welcomes repentance as Hezekiah awakened to the reality of his pride and arrogance. “A soldier asked Abba Minus if God accepted repentance. After the old man had taught him many things he said, “Tell me, my dear, if your cloak is torn, do you throw it away” He replied, “No, I mend it and use it again.” The old man said to him, “If you are so careful about your cloak, will not God be equally careful about his creature?”

History is filled with leaders who did well in crisis yet failed miserably in peace. Living in the darkness of crisis leaves us with only two options: turning to God or living in hopelessness. Yet living in the light of peace also leaves us with only two options: staying focused on God or living for self. Eugene Peterson says it well “When we pray, we immerse ourselves in the living presence of God. When we pray the Psalms we pray through all the parts of our lives and our history and cover the ground of our intricate implication in sin.”

Lord, as You give us our daily bread, let us receive it with thankfulness. If You give us peace, let us live with our eyes on You. If You give us a crisis, let us never forget, “with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“The half-tribe of Manasseh was very large and spread through the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon. These were the leaders of their clans: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdid. These men had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders of their clans.”    (1 Chronicles 5:23-24 NLT)

The tribe of Manasseh along with the tribes of Rueben and Gad had bargained with Moses to let them live in the land east of the Jordon (Numbers 32). The wide-open spaces were perfect for grazing cattle and flocks. Even though the Promised Land that God was giving them was within reach, they looked around and decided to settle for second best. They saw land that was rich and well suited for them to make a good living.  Selfish interest prevented them from being in God’s will for them.

The people knew they were capable of winning the battles needed to take the land. They had the resources to win for “they were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords, and bows.” (1 Cor 5:18b). Confident and proud, they waged war against the various peoples in the region. However, they quickly found themselves losing the battle. The soldiers quickly understood that “there are no atheists in foxholes” and as the battle turned against them, “they cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him. So the Hagrites and all their allies were defeated.” (v20)

The half-tribe of Manasseh enjoyed the plunder taken in the battle. Camels, sheep and goats, donkeys and captives – everything they had envisioned that would make them wealthy. They adapted well to the culture they found in the conquered land. In fact, they adapted a little too much to the culture. “But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nations that God had destroyed.” (v25)

Their unfaithfulness led to their destruction and “they were taken into exile.” We are often faced with conflicts between what God says and what others say and promote in the culture around us. Modern culture will encourage us to get on “the right side of history” as it pushes their agenda of sexuality, morality and lifestyle arguments.

The culture will always look good until it turns and you see if for what it really is—destructive, hateful, violent and disregard for others. The half-tribe of Manasseh momentarily enjoyed their adopted culture until the culture pulled them so far from God that they no longer had God’s heart nor His ways of righteousness, justice, mercy, grace, forgiveness and love.

The half-tribe of Manasseh, Rueben and Gad had witnessed the promised land but chose to live in the culture of the day. The cultural norm of the day is much like the flavor of the day at Culver’s, it changes with the latest tweet from someone.

“When Jesus directs us to pray, “Thy kingdom come,” he does not mean we should pray for it to come into existence. Rather we pray for it to take over at all points in the personal, social, and political order where it is now excluded: “on earth as it is in heaven.” With this prayer we are invoking it, as in faith we are acting it, into the real world of our daily existence.” (Dallas Willard)

Culture calls. How will we answer? We can choose as the half-tribe of Manasseh did and worship the gods of the defeated culture, or as Joshua who declared, “…. but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

 

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:23-27

Among some of our children’s favorite books was The Berenstain Bears and The Spooky Old Tree. Always up for an adventure, the three Berenstain Bear cubs decide to explore The Spooky Old Tree at night. “One with a light. One with a stick. One with a rope,” they bravely enter the old, dark tree until one fright after another fright causes panic and fear until they are scared and running home. The closing pages of the book pictures Mama Bear clutching her little bears safely in her arms and the words “Three little bears running fast. Home again. Safe at last.”  

This same fascination and fear have marked the night hours for generations. We have all experienced those little sounds that go thump, bump and creak during the midnight hours when we are deep in sleep, causing our heart to race a bit faster. For most of mankind’s history, the night has been terrifying and unnerving. The words of an old traditional Scottish prayer express the fears of the night and the unknown.

“From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!”

The words are strange to our ears but the focus on God for protection still pulls us into His arms. It is in the midst of the darkness we experience forced vulnerability and trust. The physical night beckoned people inside to the safety of their homes as a time of quiet rest waiting for the break of a new day. Now as then, the darkness reminds us of our dependence upon God.

Physically we hear the “bumps in the night” but we hear them also spiritually. In the last few decades, with the advent of electricity, the world has been flooded with light and 24-7 noise. We can now banish the physical darkness with artificial light, extending our days. We extend the light in hopes we can reduce the vulnerability that we feel in the dark. However much in the same way that we try to escape the physical darkness, we attempt to remove the spiritual darkness with superficial light. Trish Harrison Warren writes. “Instead of sitting in the discomfort of vulnerability, we run to alcohol, work, social media, movies, entertainment, even political debate.”

The Psalmist writes in Psalm 77 that, “When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help.” Through the course of the night as he prays and seeks God, he does come to the realization, “But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember…” At this point, the Psalmist is able to finally move from the darkness to the light proclaiming, “O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?”

We will never find in our artificial spiritual light that which gives meaning to our souls. Only in the pure light that radiates from Jesus will we find the light to walk without fear, face the unknown and rest in his presence. “Sleep is a daily, enfleshed reminder that it’s God, not us, who is the maker and mover of all our lives. Practices of prayer, like the practice of sleep, are a way to enter a posture of resting in God in the face of our utter frailty, with no promise of how or when morning will come.” (Warren)

“Compline” is the last prayer for the night within the church traditions that emphasizes the various times of prayer during the day. The prayer from The Book of Common Prayer reminds us of our dependence upon God as we prepare for the night:

“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.”

“Yes, there will come a day when the darkness is finally gone, the gates of the city are kept open and no evil will be in the city. No longer will we face the dark waiting for morning. So, for now, we rest in the calm assurance that, “The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.” (Psalm 121:5)

God is great

Pastor Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“And Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.” I Chronicles 27:32b

Early in the year the United States went through the ritual of installing a new president, and with him, a host of government appointees. Every four years, the federal government produces the book, U.S. Government Policy and Supporting Positions, better known as The Plum Book. According to The Plum Book, 7,078 positions have to be filled by the new administration. “The Plum Book is used to identify presidentially appointed positions within the Federal Government.” Of the positions, 1,118 will require Senate confirmation.

I Chronicles is an early version of “The Plum Book” for the nation of Israel. It consists of various chapters giving a list of leadership positions within the nation of Israel. Chapter 27 gives a final list of other civic officials such as who is over king’s treasuries, over components of agriculture, the military and major counselors for King David.

A key position that is not included in the American Plum Book is the role of friend. However, in the midst of all the key government appointees for King David was the title “friend” given to Hushai. We know very little about Hushai but we do know that he was worthy of the title friend. David had many close companions and loyal follower, but only a few friends.

David understood the role God had given him but he also understood the necessity of godly spiritual friends and counselors in his life. David understood the importance and power of friendships. He understood that “the heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” (Prov. 27:9)

Jonathan was that soul-friend for David. Scripture tells us that, “the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (I Samuel 18:1). Jonathan took his role as friend seriously, even at the risk of his own life. When pressured by his own father to reveal David’s hideout, he refused to the point that “Saul threw his spear at him to strike him.” (I Sam20:33a)

David’s inner circle included two close friends, Ahithophel and Hushai. Only Hushai had the title friend. David’s so-called friend, Ahithophel, betrayed him in his lowest moment (2 Samuel 17). Ahithophel used his position of influence with David for his own personal self-seeking opportunity. Hushai used his position of influence with David to protect and help his friend.

“Both served the king, but each had different motives. The opportunist works for his own glory, but the servant for that of his master.” (William MacDonald) Hushai earned his title, friend, by walking with David through some of his most difficult experiences. Hushai was ready to go into exile with his friend and lose everything. (2 Samuel 15:32). However, he willingly stayed behind to `became David’s spy when asked and was able to defeat “the counsel of Ahithophel.”

Aelred of Rievaulx said of friendship, “What happiness, what security, what joy to have someone to whom you dare to speak on terms of equality as to another self; one to whom you need have no fear to confess your failings; one to whom you can unblushingly make known what progress you have made in the spiritual life; one to whom you can entrust all the secrets of your heart and before whom you can place all your plans!”

Tuesday, June 8, marks National Best Friend Day. It might be a good day to send a note to a friend on how important they are in your life. Spend some time praying for your friends who have been there for you over the years. The writer of Proverbs reminds us that, “wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (27:6) These are the friends you need most in life because they speak truth and wisdom into your life. Unlike Job’s friends, true friends hold the rope in the midst of storms.

Jesus understood what it means to be a friend and what it is to be a friend of the King of Kings in John 15. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me…. This is my command: Love each other.” (15:13-15,17)

“What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

 

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

 

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

 

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer.” (What a Friend We Have in Jesus, vvs 1&2)

 

God is great,

Pastor Lynn