[Morning Walk] Submitting to Immature Authority: Romans 13

Today’s Readings: Job 9, Romans 13

The State of the Senate.

On Sunday, Paul Krugman’s op-ed took a shot at members of the U.S. Senate. [New York Times, America Is Not Yet Lost]. He lamented that the American decline – rather than “grand and tragic” – has been marked by procedural paralysis.

To illustrate, he writes of Martha Johnson’s nomination as the new GSA Administrator. In 2009, although she was unanimously approved in committee, Kit Bond held up floor consideration of her nomination for 9 months in order to pressure the GSA to approve a $1.75 million federal building project in Bond’s home state.

Then, last week, after the Senate finally approved her nomination, Richard Shelby placed a hold on all Obama nominations until his state gets a defense contract and a counterterrorism center.

Krugman reflected:

… a tradition has grown up under which senators, in return for not gumming up everything, get the right to block nominees they don’t like … It’s so bad that I miss Newt Gingrich.

The Authority that God Establishes.

As Christians, how are we to approach our government leaders when they’re acting like middle schoolers? Paul wrote:

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1-2.

God ordains civil authorities. They are under His control. He puts them in office and removes them from it (Daniel 2:21). God created government and He sustains it. Civil authority is His design in the present age.

Since we know this is true for evil leaders (see Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12:15, Nebuchadnezzar in Jeremiah 27:6, Pilate in John 19:10-11), we know this must be true for “immature” ones. After all, Paul was writing to believers in Rome, where Caesar insisted on being called, “lord.”

We are called to submit to our God-ordained authorities out of reverence for God, not man. Even though we are citizens of heaven (see Romans 12:3, Philippians 3:20, Mark 12:13-17), we are also citizens of earth and, as such, are to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13).

For the Christian, our main issue is not trying to get a perfect Senate or House or President, for only God himself is perfect. Rather, our main issue is to live for the glory of Christ and the good of others by being humble, trusting the Lord, and denying ourselves.

[Morning Walk] Loving One Another: Romans 12

Today’s Readings: Job 8, Romans 12

Offer your bodies as living sacrifices. verse 1.

Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is theological and weighty and heavy. It is one of the most difficult and most compelling books of the Bible.

Yet, here, Paul gets practical. He fleshes out what it means to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (12:1).

How do we do this? How do sinful believers live in community with one another? We work at it. Relationships are hard and take work (12:18).

But Christians overflow with mercy for one another because we have received everlasting mercy from God (“Freely you have received, freely give,” Matthew 10:8).

Love must be genuine. verse 9.

Christian community is a place where our masks come down because our love is “genuine” (ESV) or “sincere” (NIV) or “without hypocrisy” (NASB) (v. 9). We are real and authentic, caring more about loving others than about being loved by others. We are satisfied in the mercy of God so deeply that we are less and less concerned about what others think (Romans 8:28-31). We are real people to one another and safe people for one another.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. verse 10.

As Christians, we have a warmth and a deep affection for one another. We are devoted to one another in brotherly love because we are family – God is our Father (Matthew 6:9) and Jesus is our older brother (Hebrews 2:5-18). We share in one another’s joy and sadness (v. 15).

Additionally, we honor one another. We were made in the image of God to reflect His glory. As Peter wrote, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God” (1 Peter 2:17).

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. verse 13.

Our love and honor are not to be mere feelings. We meet one another’s practical needs. We make soup for the sick, share resources with the out-of-work. We invite people to eat with us. We welcome others into our homes. (If I had more space, I would write about all the wonderful examples of hospitality and practical mercy that has been shown to me over the last few months and years!)

In Christ. verse 5.

We are able to do all of these wonderful things because we are one “in Christ.” In him, we find our righteousness and our love for one another.

[843 Acres] A Cult of Selflessness

Gail Collins claims that American society is turning into a  ”cult of selfishness that decrees it’s fine to throw your body in front of any initiative, no matter how important, if resistance looks more profitable.” [New York Times, Another Inconvenient Truth].

In light of the recent decision to move the 9/11 trials out of NYC because it will be a logistical nightmare, it seems that we have lost the spirit of goodwill and selflessness that the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon sparked.  Instead of viewing the trial as another opportunity to unite against terrorism, we’re whining that it will cause traffic jams. Although New Yorkers are notorious for being impatient, is the rest of the country becoming more selfish? If so, how do we change?

Collins proposes no solutions. The Bible, however, offers a clear alternative to selfishness and provides power to carry it out. Looking to Jesus, who inconvenienced himself because he loved us, we find strength and hope:

And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Hebrews 13: 12-14, NIV.

Although our city will one day no longer exist, as citizens of the new Jerusalem, let us bear the disgrace – and the inconvenience – and, in so doing, point others to Christ.

[Morning Walk] The Mystery of God’s Will: Romans 11

Today’s Readings: Job 7, Romans 11

Conversation

Magnolia vs. Crumbs? Equinox vs. New York Sports Club? Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts? Whole Foods vs. Fairway? Coke vs. Pepsi?

Although these aren’t the great debates of our times, we’ve spent hours arguing over these preferences – a trivial pastime compared to debating the mysterious character of our infinite, unchanging, holy, just, wise, and merciful God.

History

Rather than being obsessed with trivial matters, we must become enthralled with the Lord. This is what our human hearts were made to do.

God’s design of history is mysterious (see Psalm 67:4; Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:9-10, 46:9-10). He has a plan for our obedience and our disobedience and, ultimately, history will prove that God is reliable and merciful. In response, our pride will be replaced by awe-inspired worship.

According to Romans 11:30-32, there are two stages of God’s design in history:

(1) Our Disobedience

As Paul wrote, “God has consigned all to disobedience” (11:32). First, He consigned the Gentiles to disobedience (“Just as you [Gentiles] were at one time disobedient …” v. 30). The Lord gave the law, the writings and the prophets to Israel, but He let the nations go their own way (see Acts 14:16). They piled up their sin, becoming ripe for judgment and mercy. Then, God consigned the Jewish people to disobedience when they rejected Jesus as Messiah (“Just as you were at one time disobedient but now have received mercy because of their (Jewish) disobedience …” v. 30) (see Matthew 21:43).

(2) His Mercy

God consigned all to disobedience “so that He may have mercy on them all” (v. 32). First, He had mercy on the Gentiles (“Just as you (Gentiles) were at one time disobedient but now have received mercy …” v. 30). After a 2000-year relationship with Israel, the Lord spread the gospel to the nations. Next, He will have mercy on the Jewish people and a mass conversion to Christ will take place (“So they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they (the Jews) also may now receive mercy” v. 31).

Design

God’s design for humanity is mysterious. His inscrutable and unsearchable ways leave no room for our boasting or pride because our salvation depends on God’s mercy alone (see 9:16).

Have you received the mercy of God? If so, are you astonished and amazed at His ways? Let us praise God for His sovereign mercy over our obedience and disobedience.

[Morning Walk] Security in the Love of Christ: Romans 8

Today’s Readings: Job 4, Romans 8

In Romans 1-5, Paul puts forth the gospel – although our sin condemns us, the righteousness of Christ is mighty to save us through its ability to impute Christ’s righteousness to us, if we trust in him. Anticipating counterarguments, Paul defends grace (chapter 6, arguing that the gospel’s message of grace is not license to sin) and the law (chapter 7, arguing that our sin condemns us, not the law).

In chapter 8, Paul turns to address those who love God and are called according to His purpose (v. 28) – namely, Christians. He writes to give us an unshakable confidence in the love of Christ. In verses 28 – 34, Paul tells us that …

• since God can turn any situation into triumph, all things work for our good (28)
• since Christ has conquered death, our final glorification is secure (30)
• since God is for us, no one can successfully be against us (31)
• since God gave us His Son, He will give us everything we need (32)
• since God is the one who justifies, no one can bring a sufficient charge against us (33)
• since Christ died and was raised from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us, no one can condemn us (34)

Finally, he gives us the pinnacle of our security:

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (35)

The answer is a resounding NO. No one and nothing will separate us from the love of Christ!

But why does God want us to feel secure in His love for us? Is it merely to add eternal security to our earthly comforts? No. God promises security so that we are free from the pursuit of worldly comfort. He wants us to know that this world is not our home; our home is in heaven. The Lord does not promise escape from trouble, but He promises that His power and love and wisdom will triumph in it.

Let us pray in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, at mealtime, and at bedtime, that we would know the height and depth of this love that surpasses understanding.

[Morning Walk #2] The Thin Red Line: Romans 7

Today’s Readings:  Job 4, Romans 7

This is a special feature. Normally, Morning Walk is a reflection on only one of the two daily readings. Today, however, I wrote a reflection on the second reading as well.

We Want to Walk the Line.

Knowing the law is dangerous. When we know it, we know how close we can come to it without breaking it. While working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I learned that experienced drug-dealers know that the law varies punishment based on weight and, therefore, they package their drugs in precise quantities to avoid harsher punishments.

Are we different?

Knowing that the law tells us to tithe 10% of our income, we give exactly 10% (or, perhaps, even justify giving less). Knowing that the law tells us not to have sex before marriage, we do everything but the act of sexual intercourse. Knowing that the law says not to lie, we distort and manipulate the truth just enough that it remains “technically” true.

Our Desire to Walk the Line Kills Us.

Our desire to walk as closely to the line as possible is sin. It’s a manipulation of the law that God graciously and lovingly gave to us – for our good and His glory. As Paul wrote, the “law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (v. 12).

Our sin, however, uses God’s good law to kill us. As Paul wrote, “Sin, taking the opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me” (v. 11). Sin kills us by using commandments to deceive us. It lies to us by speaking half-truths. It tells us that we can straddle the line and, if we don’t cross it, then we don’t sin.

How Do We Live?

We must die to the law because it is weak. It cannot save us because we manipulate it. When the commandment comes, our sin comes alive and uses it to kill us (7:9).

Then, we must live to God in Christ. The gospel frees us because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (1:16). The perfect obedience of Jesus is credited to our account if we trust in Him.

The heart of the Christian who dies to the law and lives to God longs to stay as far away from the line as possible. Rather than asking whether a tithe must be 10%, the Christian wants to be as generous as possible because they know that the Lord provides. Rather than asking whether a particular act constitutes “sex,” the Christian longs to be as pure as possible because they know that sex is for the covenantal relationship of marriage. Rather than avoiding a lie, the Christian doesn’t want to deceive, mislead or manipulate in any way.

Let us love God so much that we cling to Him and His good law.

[Morning Walk] A Practical Response to Suffering: Job 4

Today’s Readings:  Job 3, Romans 7

My Loss

In May 2003, my boyfriend asked me to marry him. By the Fall, however, it became clear that we both had serious doubts. Although I told him mine, he kept his quiet until he called off our wedding on September 18th.

I was in shock. I didn’t do anything but sleep. Each morning, I poured over the Psalms, asking, “If you didn’t want us married, then why did we get engaged?” The months of premarital counseling and wedding planning seemed like a waste of time and heart. I didn’t understand God.

When I expressed my confusion aloud, it was too much for people. Some tried to give me hope, “I believe that you’ll use that wedding dress one day,” but they didn’t know whether that was true. Others tried to encourage me to be patient, “Time heals all wounds,” but time was not on my side. A few tried to steer me right theologically, “God is good. He does not waste a hurt,” but this is what I was questioning.

Job’s Loss

Job lost everything –  his livestock was stolen, his servants were slaughtered, his sons and daughters were killed, and his body was severely afflicted.

At first, his friends were silent with mourning and weeping. They sat around the clock with him for seven days. “No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” 2:13.

Then, Job spoke:

May the day of my birth perish … Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? … Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come … v. 3-22, NIV.

Job was speaking emotionally, not theologically, but his friends didn’t understand this. For the next 29 chapters, we read their superficial, insensitive and impatient responses to him, as they repeatedly asserted that he must have done something wrong to deserve what happened to him.

Response

When those around us suffer, can we just acknowledge that the Lord’s ways are mysterious? Can we just sit and weep with them, allowing them to speak emotionally without offering “answers” to their questions?

[843 Acres] Is Scientific Research Driving Us Crazy?

Globalization has brought American products around the world. And now, as Ethan Watters reports in “The Americanization of Mental Illness” (New York Times Magazine), American mental illness is spreading around the globe.  In the past, mental illness manifested itself variously among different cultures and these cultures shaped different narratives of how to respond to the illness. Now that American scientific data informs interpretations of mental illness from Toledo to Tokyo, old cultural stories have been pushed aside in favor of a more scientific explanation (and a more American experience) of mental illness.

It’s not necessarily a good thing.

Science provides a biological explanation for mental illness, and it locates the illness within the individual. As a result, according to Watters, “Even as we have congratulated ourselves for becoming more ‘benevolent and supportive’ of the mentally ill, we have steadily backed away from the sufferers themselves.”

Jesus didn’t back away from sufferers. For example, in Luke 8, Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons. Jesus not only engages this man directly, but asks his name, drives out the demons, and restores him to his community:  ”So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him” (see Luke 8:26-39 for whole context). Rather than allowing scientific data to distance us from one another, we must attend to Jesus’ model, which necessitates personal engagement with the one who suffers.

[Morning Walk] God Moves in Mysterious Ways: Job 2

Today’s Passages:  Job 2, Romans 6

Written by guest author B.L. Graham.

My mother is a master at applying famous quotes to everyday situations. As I studied the second chapter of Job, I could hear my mother’s voice quoting William Cowper, as she does every time something inexplicable happens, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.”

The Lord described Job as a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil, the very reason why he was chosen for a spiritual attack of epic proportions. By chapter two, Job had lost all of his personal wealth, children and servants. The Lord’s movements were indeed mysterious toward Job.

Job weathered the losses and the first chapter ends with a commendation of Job who “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing”(1:27).  Chapter two opens and we find Satan back in the Lord’s presence where He commended Job’s character to Satan a second time.  Job passed the test. He did not curse God. He lost everything, but praised the Lord.  Satan lost the battle and was the prototypical sore loser. He did not concede his loss. Instead, he incited God against Job again by saying:

A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones and he will surely curse you to your face. Job 2:4-5.

The Lord allowed Satan to test Job again and Job was afflicted with painful sores that caused him to scrape his skin with broken pottery pieces for relief.  Is this the way a righteous man is commended for His fear of the Lord?  “God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.”  Job’s own wife thought it would be better for him to curse God and die than to continue suffering.  Instead, he responded:

You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10)

Although Job had no idea why he was suffering, he did know that God was in control.  He was a blameless and upright man before God. He was not suffering as a result of sin — He was suffering as a result of righteousness.  The Lord must have appeared incredibly mysterious to Job.  Thankfully, the story does not end in chapter two.

Is there a place of suffering in your life where the Lord’s work is mysterious to you?  Press ahead knowing that the story is not over for you either. 

[Morning Walk] How do you know if someone loves you? Romans 5

Today’s Readings: Job 1, Romans 5

He loves me; he loves me not.

How do you know if someone loves you? Do you keep track of the loving things that they do for you? Do you ask them repeatedly whether they love you?  Do you list your many lovable qualities and then reason that there would be no choice but to love you?

None of these tell you whether a person loves you. It’s something more. Although someone may tell you that they love you or do loving things for you, there is a deep knowledge that you know that they love you. There is just no question. You look at them looking at you and you know – especially when that love has been forged through the years.

He loves me.

As Christians, we cannot merely intellectually assent to the fact that God loves us; we must experience it. We do not know His love if our only knowledge of it is based on logical reasoning, “Since God loves the world and I am part of the world, God must love me.”

Christianity is an experiential relationship between unholy and unrighteous sinners and a holy and righteous God. This experiential relationship, however, is not based on whim or caprice; it is based on objective history – namely, that Christ died for us on a cross 2000 years ago. As Paul wrote, this act is the demonstration of God’s love for us:

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 5:8.

Notice that Paul did not write, “God demonstrated his own love,” but rather, “God demonstrates his own love.” Yet, the act that does the present demonstrating happened in the past – “Christ died for us.”

The objective historical fact of the death of Jesus is presently demonstrating the love that God has for his people today. Through the Spirit, His love opens the eyes of our hearts to see his beauty on the cross. As Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus, so we should pray for others and ourselves:

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19.