...just remembering...

the balance in "vocation"

"If any that fear God shall complain that, although they have a calling, yet it is a hard and laborious one, which takes up too much of their time which they would gladly employ in other and better work, I answer that it is likely that the wisdom of Providence foresaw this to be the most suitable and proper employment for you; and if you had more ease and rest, you might have more temptations than now you have....Do not be slothful and idle in your vocations....And yet do not be so intent upon your particular callings as to make them interfere with your general calling. Beware that you do not lose your God in the crowd and hurry of earthly business" (Flavel, The Mystery of Providence, 77-79, emphasis mine).

Recently I was reminded of the children's song, "The Wedding Banquet," which is a song version of Matthew 22 (see here). This song shares how sometimes it is the ordinary things of life that keep people from the wedding feast (ie the Kingdom of God). Flavel's exposition on calling and vocation again reminded me of this fact. May we walk and work carefully, purposefully and watchfully.

contentment

More Flavel.
Not easy.
But Biblical.

"Do not show the least discontent at the lot and portion Providence carves out for you. O that you would be well pleased and satisfied with all its appointments" (88).

May we have the grace to be content. And full of joy.

direction of our hearts

In Honduras, a friend shared Dr. Timothy Keller's sermon series on "Practical Grace: How the Gospel Transforms Character." I highly recommend this ten-part series from Redeemer Presbyterian Church; it is Biblically convicting and helps one critically and loving analyze the motives behind one's actions.


One very practical thing I learned about was "over-desires." Most of our "idols" are not wrong desires in themselves, but rather over-desires. This weekend, I continued in my journey of reading Flavel's The Mystery of Providence (1678, reprinted 1998). One section reminded me of this concept of over-desires.

Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately or immoderately upon them. For our God is a jealous God, and will not part with His glory to another" (124).

Jealous God. Will not share His glory.

Am I, are you, giving Him his due glory? May we see the lasting joy of the beauty of our God!

(Jake, this book continues to have many jewels; sorry for not being faithful in posting quotations for you. Do read it this summer though, if you can make the time!)

Calla lily - fresh from the Honduran fields

wrestling

"I will not let You go unless You bless me" (Genesis 32:26b)


Jacob wrestling with God.

This account has been read or referred to at least seven times since the beginning of the year: at a conference, during Scripture readings and staff devotions, in multiple unrelated books, during conversations, etc. Recently, our pastor became unexpectedly ill on Sunday, so an elder read a sermon that had been on file for quite some time. From the pulpit, I hear "please turn to Genesis 32:22...." Incredible!

I love it how God sometimes teaches us in "themes."
It solidifies the message and emphasizes its importance. That is definitely true of this passage.


Jacob, the now-mighty man, returning to his homeland.
Jacob, the successful man, blessed by the Lord.
Jacob, the deceiver. Jacob's name itself means "supplanter" in Hebrew: literally, "the one who takes the heel." He had taken things by scheme and by force throughout his life.

Now Jacob is returning to Canaan after living with his uncle Laban in Haran, as God commanded him (Gen. 31:13). Laban and Jacob made a covenant, but Jacob still needs to face his brother Esau, who is coming to meet him. Jacob has reason to be afraid.

Remarkably, Jacob prays before the Lord, acknowledging that God is the one who directs and controls all things (Gen. 32:9-10). Jacob recognizes that without God, his efforts are in vain. God is the giver of all gifts and the great Protector.

Genesis 32:22-32. God has Jacob...alone...and wrestles with him in a visible manifestation. He "matches his strength" to Jacob's and demands everything from him, not allowing Jacob to depend upon his own human strength and his wit. God touches / strikes Jacob's hip, the pivot of his wrestling strength, and the hip is put out of joint.

YET, Jacob clings to God. He acknowledges his inferiority before God and ask the greater to bless him, the lesser. He knows he relies upon the Lord.

And God, great and merciful, gives Jacob a new name. Israel. Prince with God. The one who strives with God. Israel, the name that will be forever passed down to God's people. Remarkable.

So Jacob names the place Peniel, meaning "I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved." Jacob doesn't boast, "I have seen God and have been found worthy," or "I have wrestled God and prevailed." He doesn't celebrate his "victory" or his blessing, but he realizes the grace of God that preserved Him rather than destroying him.

The day has broken, so Jacob goes forward to meet Esau. Limping. Hip out of joint. The constant reminder, step by step, that he is fully and totally dependent upon God. God preserved him. God blessed him. God is his sustainer and will be with him even in this meeting with Esau.

All of our self-sufficiency, our pride, our desire to do things on our own...it must be laid down at the foot of the cross. We must depend fully and only on the Lord. Like Jacob, we must take each step recognizing the preserving grace of God, acknowledging his presence and power in our lives.

We must recognize the price paid by Jesus in order to bring about this reconciliation. What a gift! What a God!

(Please note: these thoughts are a culmination of the material that was shared with me, especially the New Geneva Study Bible study notes and the conference and sermon materials).