
and an invitation to cake and flowers
I had so many questions, when I was first reading the Bible. It was just a few months before Easter 1992 and I had just begun to attend church and learn about this Christian faith. I had been encouraged to read the Book of John in the New Testament. Before I read even one verse of Scripture, my questions were many though they mostly reflected the consumer mentality from which I viewed every undertaking . . . Is there an Old Testament too? What’s the difference and does that mean there are two Bibles? Where exactly is the Book of John? Why aren’t these books in alphabetical order or numbered so they are easier to find? Is the Book of John the same thing as the Gospel of John? What does the word “gospel” mean?
I did eventually find the Book of John in my purchased-because-it-was-pretty Bible and began to read . . . In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Oh, wow!
I don’t remember understanding much at first but as I kept reading the storyline began to fascinate me. I could not put it down. Yes, there were hard names to pronounce, and entire paragraphs that were difficult for me to grasp even one nugget. But I did recognize some stories or phrases I had heard out of context . . . water into wine? the bread of life? the light of the world? the good shepherd? There was a growing desire to know, to know more, to learn this which was beginning to be so much more than a storyline. It was a lifeline.
But when I came to the arrest and trials of Jesus Christ leading to His crucifixion, I was nauseous as I read. How could people beat and humiliate this Jesus? And why didn’t He answer them? I kept waiting for Him to defend Himself.
Why did I expect the falsely accused Jesus to defend Himself? Because that’s what I would do. That’s what we earth dwellers do when something seems unfair. When untrue things are said about us or a loved one, our self-righteousness rises up. This is an on-going work of sanctification in my life – to humble myself, let go of my perceived offense, and rest in the assurance of the Lord’s work in the situation.
Jesus Christ knew His Father God is the ultimate Judge and that those men had no authority that was not given to them by God (John 19.11). God the Father and Jesus the Christ would be vindicated in the most dramatic and world-altering event in human history!
This all came to mind this week as I read Psalm 7 where King David has been falsely accused of sinful behavior and is pursued by those whom he fears will tear his soul apart like a lion.
O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,
lest like a lion they tear my soul apart,
rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. Psalm 7.1-2
Yet David does not defend himself (just as Jesus would not defend Himself to His accusers and the men who would condemn Him to execution). Instead David calls on the Lord, trusts the Lord is the righteous judge, for himself and every other person.
The LORD judges the peoples;
judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.
Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
O righteous God,
My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge,
and a God who feels indignation every day. Psalm 7.8-11
David trusts, as we can too, that the Lord will intervene on our behalf according to His righteousness and His steadfast love for those who have put their faith in Him for salvation. What undeserved mercy when we submit our will to His!
If anyone had told me back in 1992 that I would be encouraging others toward the Bible and the truths that have become my lifeline, I would have thought they were nuts. What I truly didn’t know then was that God is orchestrating each of our lives for our good and His glory. I am forever grateful that He is steadfast and so merciful and abundantly patient with an easily distracted, often weary, remedial student like me.
So keep reading God’s Word, my dear friend! God reveals Himself to us and it is the lifeline we each so need!
Blessings, Colleen
P.S. With the calendar just a couple days from February, I want to be sure you’ve heard we are hosting a Galentines event on Saturday, February 15. Invite a friend to join you in making a cake from cupcakes and crafting a market bouquet of roses for yourself. A sweet and simple morning is being planned for you and you don’t have to bring anything or have any particular expertise. Like Carin suggested on Sunday . . . maybe make a day of it with lunch or a walk or shopping afterwards!
Moms with young children – if on-site childcare will allow you to join us, let me know by February 5, and we’ll take care of the rest. Email me at colleen@poulsbocc.com or text me at 206-715-3635.
I hope to see you Saturday, Feb 15, 10am at the church!