You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?” But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear
Deuteronomy 7:17-19
Deuteronomy is a book about “remembering”. Moses delivers a series of messages that warn the Children of Israel against selective amnesia when they enter the Promised Land. When I read it, I am tempted to ask “How do we forget?” I think the answer is simple. We forget, one day at a time. So, “How do we remember?” We remember, one day at a time. C.S. Lewis has some practical advice that helps.
“What is concrete but immaterial can be kept in view only by painful effort…That is why the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”
C. S. Lewis (19600) Mere Christianity
About Me
- Paul Metler, Ph.D.
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- Hello. Thanks for stopping by. If you care to read about what's crossing my mind or sticking in my heart I welcome you to my latest post. So, I hope you enjoy my ramblings. More importantly, I hope I can encourage you to join me in my quest to be a faithful follower of my Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
It's good for you
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Do this…it’s good for you. Those are words I have heard many times. The sources were varied. Sometimes it was my parents, a teacher, a doctor, a coach. But, I can’t think of a single time when I heard those words that it came from someone who didn’t care about my well-being. By the time we reach message of Moses in Deuteronomy, the great leader knows that he will not enter into the Promised Land with his people. So, he gives them some final words of instruction. Deuteronomy 10:12 provides a good executive summary of those words. Basically, Moses tells them “do these things…it’s good for you”. What fascinates me about these two verses is that we hear them differently depending on our level of maturity. As children, we focus our attention on whether or not we want to do something without considering the impact on our character. After spending nearly forty years in the wilderness listening to complaint after complaint, Moses was well acquainted with the immaturity of the Children of Israel. Thus, before he died, he reminded them of the non-negotiable commands of God. Moses connected the commands with a reminder. All of God’s commands are for our good. What if we reversed the order of the verse? What if we began the verse with a simple question? Ask God, “what will do me the most good in life?” Then, prepare to listen to His reply: “Fear the LORD your God; walk in obedience to Him; love Him; serve the LORD your God with all your heart and soul and observe the LORD’s commands.
And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Do this…it’s good for you. Those are words I have heard many times. The sources were varied. Sometimes it was my parents, a teacher, a doctor, a coach. But, I can’t think of a single time when I heard those words that it came from someone who didn’t care about my well-being. By the time we reach message of Moses in Deuteronomy, the great leader knows that he will not enter into the Promised Land with his people. So, he gives them some final words of instruction. Deuteronomy 10:12 provides a good executive summary of those words. Basically, Moses tells them “do these things…it’s good for you”. What fascinates me about these two verses is that we hear them differently depending on our level of maturity. As children, we focus our attention on whether or not we want to do something without considering the impact on our character. After spending nearly forty years in the wilderness listening to complaint after complaint, Moses was well acquainted with the immaturity of the Children of Israel. Thus, before he died, he reminded them of the non-negotiable commands of God. Moses connected the commands with a reminder. All of God’s commands are for our good. What if we reversed the order of the verse? What if we began the verse with a simple question? Ask God, “what will do me the most good in life?” Then, prepare to listen to His reply: “Fear the LORD your God; walk in obedience to Him; love Him; serve the LORD your God with all your heart and soul and observe the LORD’s commands.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Life Building
Hebrews 3:4
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
Chapters thirteen and fourteen in Numbers record an event that echoes throughout the Bible. Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan. The result is well known. Ten spies allowed fear to overwhelm the vision that God had given. Only two brought back a report that was anchored in the faithfulness of God. The consequences of contagious fear are recorded in chapter fourteen of Numbers. The people refused to enter the land that God had promised and as a result God made them wander until a generation died. Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews writes a commentary about God’s judgment on the faithless generation described in the book of Numbers. The construction analogy is consistent in the Scriptures. Every house (life) is built by someone. Either we are wise and allow the Master builder design our lives or we attempt to follow our own blueprint. Either we build our lives on faith in Christ or we are foolish and attempt to build our lives on shifting sand that is contaminated with fear. The writer in Hebrews provides a vivid description of the difference and reminds us that we are supposed to encourage one another. So, here’s my encouragement for today: “And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” Hold on to your trust in Christ today!
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
Chapters thirteen and fourteen in Numbers record an event that echoes throughout the Bible. Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan. The result is well known. Ten spies allowed fear to overwhelm the vision that God had given. Only two brought back a report that was anchored in the faithfulness of God. The consequences of contagious fear are recorded in chapter fourteen of Numbers. The people refused to enter the land that God had promised and as a result God made them wander until a generation died. Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews writes a commentary about God’s judgment on the faithless generation described in the book of Numbers. The construction analogy is consistent in the Scriptures. Every house (life) is built by someone. Either we are wise and allow the Master builder design our lives or we attempt to follow our own blueprint. Either we build our lives on faith in Christ or we are foolish and attempt to build our lives on shifting sand that is contaminated with fear. The writer in Hebrews provides a vivid description of the difference and reminds us that we are supposed to encourage one another. So, here’s my encouragement for today: “And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” Hold on to your trust in Christ today!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Overcoming Fear
Numbers 14:9
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Joshua provided a bright testimony of faith in the midst of fear. When Moses sent “spies” into the Promised Land, ten spies returned with a fearful report and only Joshua and Caleb returned with positive testimony. The message of the ten was a message of fear. They told the people, “We can’t!” Joshua responded with a message of faith. His words provide the recipe for overcoming fear. It is simple, yet easily forgotten. Do not be afraid – the LORD is with us. Because of fear, entry into the Promised Land was postponed for a generation. Several years later, after Moses died, God called upon Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land. What was God’s message to Joshua? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8) Notice a pattern? Many of us memorized the 23rd Psalm as children. When we face our fears, we must remember “though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me.” (v. 4). Fear paralyzes us, but the presence of God in our lives releases us to move forward.
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Joshua provided a bright testimony of faith in the midst of fear. When Moses sent “spies” into the Promised Land, ten spies returned with a fearful report and only Joshua and Caleb returned with positive testimony. The message of the ten was a message of fear. They told the people, “We can’t!” Joshua responded with a message of faith. His words provide the recipe for overcoming fear. It is simple, yet easily forgotten. Do not be afraid – the LORD is with us. Because of fear, entry into the Promised Land was postponed for a generation. Several years later, after Moses died, God called upon Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land. What was God’s message to Joshua? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8) Notice a pattern? Many of us memorized the 23rd Psalm as children. When we face our fears, we must remember “though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me.” (v. 4). Fear paralyzes us, but the presence of God in our lives releases us to move forward.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Faith or Fear
Numbers 14:3
Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?
The book of Numbers begins with a military census. The Lord commanded Moses to count all men who were twenty years old and above except those men who were a part of the priestly tribe of Levi. Then, Numbers continues the narrative of the journey of God’s people from Mount Sinai though the wilderness. The fact that it begins with a military census seems to foreshadow the battles that are soon to come. The battles were not just military battles. They battled fear, discouragement and discontent. Too often, they just complained. It’s a great lesson for us. We may be counted as “soldiers” in the Lord’s army, but are we prepared to fight? The battles on the inside usually determine the result on the outside. In the midst of the book of Numbers is a disappointing answer. When the people came to the edge of the land that God had promised, they refused to go in because of their fear. Faith lost. Fear won. Their complaints are telling. “Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword” (Numbers 14:3). Their view of God became distorted through the lens of fear. Turn the tide today. Let faith overcome fear.
Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?
The book of Numbers begins with a military census. The Lord commanded Moses to count all men who were twenty years old and above except those men who were a part of the priestly tribe of Levi. Then, Numbers continues the narrative of the journey of God’s people from Mount Sinai though the wilderness. The fact that it begins with a military census seems to foreshadow the battles that are soon to come. The battles were not just military battles. They battled fear, discouragement and discontent. Too often, they just complained. It’s a great lesson for us. We may be counted as “soldiers” in the Lord’s army, but are we prepared to fight? The battles on the inside usually determine the result on the outside. In the midst of the book of Numbers is a disappointing answer. When the people came to the edge of the land that God had promised, they refused to go in because of their fear. Faith lost. Fear won. Their complaints are telling. “Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword” (Numbers 14:3). Their view of God became distorted through the lens of fear. Turn the tide today. Let faith overcome fear.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Psalm 24
Psalm 24:1-4
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who do not put their trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
In this Psalm, David compares the distance between unholy and holy in terms a steep climb up the mountain of God. Who can climb a mountain so steep? An even greater challenge awaits us at the top of the summit. Who can stand in God’s holy presence? The Psalm provides an answer. Only those with clean hands, a pure heart and trust in the true God can ascend. In the next verse, David rejoices in the blessing that comes from God our Savior. Don’t miss the irony of this beautiful picture of grace. We struggle with the climb. God knows it. The Gospels fill in some necessary details about our climb. Rather than make the climb easier, God descended. God came down and made His dwelling among us. He did not forsake His holiness. He brought His glory to where we are and revealed grace and truth in human form. Through His sacrificial death Jesus washes our hands and purifies our hearts. Then, after dying for our sins and rising from the dead, “He ascended”. Jesus came down from the “mountain of the LORD” and Jesus leads the way for us to enter into His holy presence. Now, we are left to answer the question. Will you put your trust in Him?
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who do not put their trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
In this Psalm, David compares the distance between unholy and holy in terms a steep climb up the mountain of God. Who can climb a mountain so steep? An even greater challenge awaits us at the top of the summit. Who can stand in God’s holy presence? The Psalm provides an answer. Only those with clean hands, a pure heart and trust in the true God can ascend. In the next verse, David rejoices in the blessing that comes from God our Savior. Don’t miss the irony of this beautiful picture of grace. We struggle with the climb. God knows it. The Gospels fill in some necessary details about our climb. Rather than make the climb easier, God descended. God came down and made His dwelling among us. He did not forsake His holiness. He brought His glory to where we are and revealed grace and truth in human form. Through His sacrificial death Jesus washes our hands and purifies our hearts. Then, after dying for our sins and rising from the dead, “He ascended”. Jesus came down from the “mountain of the LORD” and Jesus leads the way for us to enter into His holy presence. Now, we are left to answer the question. Will you put your trust in Him?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Holiness
Leviticus 11:44
For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.
As I make my way through the Old Testament preparing for messages on Sundays, I have arrived at Leviticus. Leviticus can be one of the most challenging books in the Bible. Too often we feel a distance between the details of the sacrificial system contained in Leviticus and our contemporary situation. Yet, in the study of Leviticus, we discover a message that cannot be overlooked. Leviticus offers a stark truth that is often dismissed in our world today. God is holy and His expectation is that we are to be holy. For some reason, we seem to feel comfortable dismissing the standard of holiness along with the details of the priestly service of the Levites. We treat the idea of a holy life as obsolete. But, that is a grave mistake. In fact, I believe we can learn a practical lesson from the details contained in Leviticus. No, I am not advocating a return to the sacrificial system of Leviticus. Jesus has provided a sacrifice for sins once and for all. But, I do believe we need to recover the connection between holiness and our daily life. Jesus prayed that we would be “in the world but not of the world”. His prayer reminds us that holiness is not about isolation. It is a way to commune in a sacred relationship with God even while surrounded by an “unholy” world. It is our privilege and calling to reflect God’s holy character on a daily basis. Impossible? Not really. The Apostle Peter reminded the early church that God has given us “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3).
For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.
As I make my way through the Old Testament preparing for messages on Sundays, I have arrived at Leviticus. Leviticus can be one of the most challenging books in the Bible. Too often we feel a distance between the details of the sacrificial system contained in Leviticus and our contemporary situation. Yet, in the study of Leviticus, we discover a message that cannot be overlooked. Leviticus offers a stark truth that is often dismissed in our world today. God is holy and His expectation is that we are to be holy. For some reason, we seem to feel comfortable dismissing the standard of holiness along with the details of the priestly service of the Levites. We treat the idea of a holy life as obsolete. But, that is a grave mistake. In fact, I believe we can learn a practical lesson from the details contained in Leviticus. No, I am not advocating a return to the sacrificial system of Leviticus. Jesus has provided a sacrifice for sins once and for all. But, I do believe we need to recover the connection between holiness and our daily life. Jesus prayed that we would be “in the world but not of the world”. His prayer reminds us that holiness is not about isolation. It is a way to commune in a sacred relationship with God even while surrounded by an “unholy” world. It is our privilege and calling to reflect God’s holy character on a daily basis. Impossible? Not really. The Apostle Peter reminded the early church that God has given us “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3).
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