Going From Strength to Strength through 2010 (and beyond)

Today, as I contemplate this coming year, I’m drawn to these words in Psalm 84 verses 5-7:

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.

Here the Poet speaks of a people on a journey. Their destination is to join a vast number of people from everywhere so that together they may delight in their God. The historic setting for this Psalm in Old Testament times would have been the Israelite pilgrims who journeyed together from far away places to the Temple in Jerusalem for one of the annual festivals to celebrate God’s faithfulness and presence among them.

The journey took them through the ‘Valley of Baca’. What is this valley? The Nigerian theologian, Cyril Okorocha, makes this comment which I think catches the poetic picture; “In the course of their pilgrimage, they have to pass through the Valley of Baca, which was probably a dry valley. But God supplies refreshment to his people as they travel. However, the word ‘baca’ may mean ‘weeping’, in which case the psalmist is speaking of God’s gift of joy even in the midst of sorrow. Whichever interpretation is correct, it is clear the reality of faith is shown in perseverance and triumph through pain. The journey may be difficult, through barren country, but the sense of God’s presence on the journey is like the blessing of abundant rain watering the dry ground.” (From: Africa Bible Commentary)

With the coming of Jesus into this world the focus of true worship has shifted off a particular place or building and upon Jesus himself. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) Following Jesus never leaves us isolated from others or in a static condition. With Jesus we always find ourselves on a journey past our comfort zones. This journey must pass through dry and sorrowful valleys. Here is the good news, The Lord has an amazing way of causing his followers to turn these very places into places where they see his miracles of provision, refreshment and renewal.

Usually, when we think of hikers on a long trek we think of them finishing somewhat more depleted than when they started out. That is one of the surprises the psalmist springs on us in this passage, these pilgrims go from ‘strength to strength’. As we move into 2010 we are reminded daily of the threats of a failing economy, violence, war, terrorism and injustice on every side. But for all who follow Jesus on his mission to proclaim the Good News of His Kingdom, he promises his all-sufficient grace will be poured out in every valley we pass through. That very place will become a wonderful story of his faithfulness. The numbers on the journey with us will grow, and with our eyes intently on Jesus we are sure to move on from strength to strength.

If you are not walking with him today, call on him from your heart and join with his people on his amazing journey to bless all the nations. He promises he will not turn you away. (John 6:37)

God Delights Himself in the Pacific Northwest (and for that matter, the whole world)

When God finished making the universe he ‘saw all that he had made, and it was very good’ (Gen. 1:31). One obvious thing this verse reveals to us, God delights in his work of creation. I have spent considerable time dwelling on this thought living here in the Great Pacific Northwest. Marlene and I have genuinely enjoyed day hiking in this beautiful part of the world on our days off. Every time we get out into these natural surroundings I find myself saying, “Wow Lord you did a fantastic work here!” I think that when I've told him that he smiled in agreement, and whispered, “I’m glad you noticed.”

I keep coming on to place after place in Scripture where this same delight of God in his creation is mentioned. Let me just draw a few examples of this out of Psalm 104. This is just one of a quite a number of Psalms that pick up on this theme in wonderful poetic language.

Verse 3 says, “He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.” Whatever other deep theological truths may be drawn for this passage I have to say that this sounds like fun.

Further down the Psalmist describes how springs of water pour out in the higher elevations of the mountains and they flow down into ravines (vs. 10). Some of the most breath taking sights here in our part of the world are the waterfalls and we have got a lot of them. Each of these cascading waters sings it’s own song of praise to the Lord who formed it.

This same flowing water irrigates the land producing abundant harvests, grass for the cattle, (they think grass is the best stuff in the world), and wine, oil and bread which people really like (we've got wonderful vineyards, and massive wheat fields here in the Northwest) (Vs. 14-15) Not only this, the trees that the Lord planted also get watered and some of them get very tall especially around here. Our house is surrounded by towering Douglas Firs. We love them and want to take care of them, because as creatures made in God’s image it’s our privilege and responsibility to do things like that. By the way, it’s a good idea to thank the Lord for trees and maybe consider planting some more if you find some room for them where you live, because without them we’ve got no air to breath, besides they're beautiful!

There is a lot more in this one Psalm, you find out that when a lion roars it’s his way of asking God for a good steak dinner. You discover the Lord made monstrous sea creatures just so they could frolic around way out there in the waves of the ocean. He made special craggy places in the mountains particularly for wild goats and coneys, which around here we call 'pikas', funny little guys with their high pitched squeals just to let you know you’ve invited yourself into their special territory.

Finally the Poet says, “May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works…” (Vs. 31) All this was created for God’s glory and he rejoices in it. This is ample reason for us to rejoice in the world God made and desire to care for it, don’t you think?