Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
We need light to avoid stumbling in the dark; we need Scripture to avoid stumbling in the dark world.
Fear and the Future: I say little about politics because most people are either exhausted by the topic or exhausted by those talking about it. And yet…we cannot do nothing. As Christ-followers we are citizens of the City of God AND citizens of the City of Man. Some things must be said about the second. In the spirit of Richard John Neuhaus – whose journal First Things assumed that politics is downstream from culture, and culture is downstream from faith, so we need to promote faith in order to civilize politics – let me encourage you with this: 1) Avoid arguments and appeals shaped by fear, greed or hate; and 2) remain sober-minded about what government can do. Romans 13 (and other passages) remind us that only God can satisfy and save.
2019 Redux: It’s time for year-end collections of best this, most notable that, and person, place or thing of the year. Not all such entries are interesting, but others say a lot about the last twelve months.
- The language mavens at Merriam-Webster chose the personal pronoun “they” as their word of the year.
- The most downloaded Bible verse among YouVersion’s 400 million users is Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Jesus is the Old Testament: Last week’s sermon on Christ in the Old Testament generated an unusual amount of response, most from people surprised at how often Jesus intrudes into the Hebrew Scriptures. You can hear, watch or read the sermon here. For my favorite book on the topic, see The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament, by Edmond Clowney.
Speaking of Sermons: Martin Lloyd Jones dismissed those long on information and those focused on application. “A lecturer aims for the first and a motivational speaker for the second.” Sermons are meant to lead to worship.
Without Comment:
- Medicaid paid the delivery cost for 42% of the 3.95 million babies born in the U.S. in 2016.
- Pitcher Gerrit Cole just signed a nine-year deal with the Yankees for $36M / year – or… $100K per day.
Dopamine Fasting in Silicon Valley: Discussions about technology addictions are not new – e.g., the Lilliputians noted that Gulliver was addicted to his watch. But the fear about it is growing. Indeed, as this NYT article notes, some Silicon Valley technophiles now periodically unplug from everything in an effort to engage in a “dopamine fast.” As with other self-improvement fads, the scientific community offers mixed reactions. I highlight this to note how religiously shaped all of life is. Every day The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and 10,000 other publications are full of articles about fasting, sabbath, forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, justice, and a dozen other profoundly religious ideas.
Prayer Requests: A few of us enjoy Christmases worthy of Disney, Mayberry, Normal-Rockwell or hallmark. Most do not. As a young pastor, I came to realize that many people barely survive December. It fosters a toxic confluence of high expectations, time for reflection, extended family and alcohol. Please pray for – and be gracious towards – all those who might be limping through the end of the year.
Quotes Worth ReQuoting: Do you want to know what the character of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the holiness of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the wrath of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the forgiveness of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the glory of God is like? Study Jesus all the way to that wretched cross. Study Jesus. D. A. Carson
Crazy Times: As I write this: the House is debating impeachment; Britain is voting on Brexit; Hong Kong is a powder keg; the Israelis have failed (again) to form a government – all that without mentioning India, Iraq, Russia, Afghanistan or North Korea. Phil. 4:16 may be the verse of the year again in 2020.
Closing Prayer: Most loving Lord, Give me a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards; An unconquered heart, which no hardship can wear out; An upright heart, which no worthless purpose can ensnare. Give me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, and a faithfulness that will finally embrace you; Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)