Cave of Adullam

Scripture	Observations/Paraphrase	Application
Psalm 62	September 3, 2009
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. 3 So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. 4 They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts.     Interlude 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.     Interlude 9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air. 10 Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. 11 God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you; 12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.	I wait quietly before God, for it is from Him that my victory comes.  He alone is my rock and my salvation – my fortress where I will never be shaken. So many enemies against one man – all of them trying to kill me.  To them, I’m just a broken down wall, or a tottering fence.  They plan to topple me from my high position.  They delight in telling lies about me.  They praise me to my face, but curse me in their hearts. Let all  that I am, wait quietly before God – for my hope is in Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation.  My fortress where I will not be shaken.  My victory and honor come from God alone.  He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Oh people, trust in Him at all times.  Pour out your heart to Him – for God is our refuge. Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be.  If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air. Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing.  If your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. God has spoken plainly and I have heard  it many times.  Power, oh God, belongs to you – unfailing love, oh Lord, is yours.  Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.	I have wanted to really get into Jeremiah’s story for about the last 9-10 months.  And it’s been longer than that where I have been asking the question, “Is there room for an Ezekiel, or a Jeremiah, in today’s church?”  The answer that comes back to me, through prayer, through others, and through outright common sense, is no – there is not room for a prophet that calls for repentance in today’s church. And yet, I have felt led to push forward with this message.  I didn’t want to.  But, like Jeremiah, I had to. Undoubtedly, I’ve been treated far better than most of the prophets in the Bible. [NOTE: I'm not saying I'm a prophet, but I do believe that I have been called to share a message - big difference.  I'm just using the word/label: prophet for comparison purposes] Most of God’s messengers were killed, imprisoned, maimed, beaten, stoned, etc.  The only thing  that has happened to me is that I’ve lost my job – and any sense of security that has gone along with that. Yesterday’s reading of Jeremiah 7 really rocked me.  Seeing the comparisons of todays secular and church cultures, to the times of Jeremiah, well it was scary really. But today, after three surgeries in three weeks, a loss of income, finding nothing but job-seeking dead-ends – well, I am just spent. Like David, my only strength is in God. I do feel attacked on every level. The move out here, was hard, then my wife got sick – few people either understood that, or were sympathetic.  As I focused on taking care of her, I let some tasks slide – but apparently that was unacceptable. I feel as if I’ve been labeled a liar, a cheat, a thief.  I feel as if people have decided that I am evil.  I feel as if they seek to take revenge on me by denying reimbursements, withholding financial remunerations, and making me jump through hoops   which I neither have the time, the energy, or the will to do right now. I’ve been scrambling to take care of medical issues, before we loose healthcare insurance.  I’ve been applying for work, networking, and seeking financial avenues.  I’ve been trying to work with our bank, the state, and other agencies as I seek to find a way out of this financial morass that we have being sucked into. But in the meantime, it feels as if the very people who should be sympathetic to our issues, are putting more pressures on us to prove ourselves for every dime.  There appears to be little or no sympathy, no mercy, and definitely no charity. I feel increasingly backed into a corner.  Beaten down.  Exhausted.  It is just really hard.  The Church, at this point in my life, definitely looks more like Jeremiah 7 then it does John 4. Lord, you are my only strength.
Prayer

Today God – just for today.  I just couldn’t read anymore of Jeremiah.  I felt impressed, by You, yesterday, to just take some time in the Cave of Adullam – to rest, recharge, and renew.  That is hard for me to do right now God.  There are so many pressing issues.  So many priorities, and so many deadlines looming.  But like the text that Jennifer read yesterday, you have promised to take care of us – so, I am leaning on you today God – please take care of us.

I need to let go of those who consider me an enemy.  I need to let go of those who seek to do me harm.  My friend told me they would seek to murder me, if they found out what I really stood for.  He was right.  It has been really hard – very unexpected – and very damaging.  Please help us God – please help us.

G

Original

Do I Speak Out?

Scripture:

James 2:1,5 My dear brothers and sisters,s how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble names you bear?

Observations:

It is amazing that these texts would come up today.  This is exactly the point I’ve been trying to make with my overseers. It appears that the educated, affluent, and apparently “put-together” people have more honor than the more marginal people of the church.  Those that hold positions of leadership, those that exhibit the least amount of brokenness, and those who seem to have the fewest problems are given more of a voice than the disenfranchised, the broken, and the marginalized.

And yet James tells us here that it is the poor who will inherit the Kingdom and it is the rich who oppress and slander the Lord’s name.

Applications:

Up until lately I have allowed myself to be put on the defensive.  I’ve tried to explain my actions and motives in a way that caused the least amount of push back.  I’ve tried hard to be politically correct and temperate in my words and actions.  However, about a week ago, I was impressed that I need to go on the offensive.  The scary part is that one begins to look like some lunatic fanatic.

But what great prophet of God hasn’t looked foolish?  What great prophet hasn’t experienced some great opposition, or been ostracized?  Virtually all of them have.  When the people of God have gotten so far off track that they required a strong voice to bring them back in alignment, the voice “crying in the wilderness” has often come from one who appears waaaay out there!

I don’t want to be that guy.  I just want to be a normal soul – I just want to walk in the shadows and not make waves.  However, this “gift” of discernment opens my eyes to the things around me.  I see the brokenness, I see the successes, I see the victories, and I see the failures.  I see the Spirit of God moving, but I see the mediocrity that has taken hold.  I wish I could keep my mouth shut.  However, God has also given me this gift/strength of Command (e.g. the ability to tell people what they don’t want to hear.)

Most of the great prophets of the Bible were willing to lose their lives over the messages God gave them.  Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son.  And here I am, worried about my employment.  It makes me feel weak and foolish.

Prayer:

Father God, just for today, give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to do the right thing.  Let me not overstep my boundaries and let me not understep them either.  You alone are the holder of Truth – in fact, you are Truth.  Please let me reflect You, Your character, and your Love in perfect balance – even though I am an imperfect vessel.

Forgive me for my failures, forgive me for my mediocrity, and forgive me for stepping out of line.  I love you Jesus.  Walk with me…

Psalm 62

1 I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.

3 So many enemies against one man—
all of them trying to kill me.
To them I’m just a broken-down wall
or a tottering fence.
4 They plan to topple me from my high position.
They delight in telling lies about me.
They praise me to my face
but curse me in their hearts.     Interlude

5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.     Interlude

9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,
and the powerful are not what they appear to be.
If you weigh them on the scales,
together they are lighter than a breath of air.

10 Don’t make your living by extortion
or put your hope in stealing.
And if your wealth increases,
don’t make it the center of your life.

11 God has spoken plainly,
and I have heard it many times:
Power, O God, belongs to you;
12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
Surely you repay all people
according to what they have done.

Acceptance

Scripture:

Numbers 10, 11

Psalm 27

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
² When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
³ Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

Observations:

There is a common theory dancing through the courts of Christian culture.  In an apparent rebellion of dysfunctional church hierarchies, we, the church, has moved to a more democratic structure.  While this certainly fits a progressive governmental process, it isn’t modeled in the Bible.

Last week, at a leadership gathering, one of the people asked, “Well,” he said, “Can’t God speak to us as well as He can to you?”

Now, there’s really no easy way to answer that question without coming across as arrogant, power-hungry, and maybe even dismissive.  But the fact of the matter is, God works through leaders to accomplish His purposes.  Sometimes these leaders are in official capacities (e.g. David as the King of Israel), and sometimes these leaders are “unofficial” (e.g. Jonathan when he and his armorbearer attacked the Philistines).  But one of my favorite examples of how an unofficial leader operates, in the face of the annointed leaders, is when David refused to attack Saul, when they were in the cave.

I have no doubt that God brought me to Columbia County to lead.  I have no doubt that I am imperfect, and I’ve made mistakes (for which I’ve repented and asked forgiveness).  But it is quite apparent to me that others don’t see this so clearly.  I don’t believe it is my place to correct them.

Applications:

I really relate to several of Moses’ laments in the above texts.  First, he asks God “why did he have to bear the burdens of these people?“  Then, he pleads with God to deal with these folks.  But, it isn’t until much later in Moses’ maturation process that he pleads with God to take him, in order to atone for the sins of the people.  I see this as the capstone of Moses’ spiritual growth.  This is where he begins to represent Jesus.

Until I can learn to absorb and deflect the complaints, attacks, and gossip of the people, I’m not their leader.  Until I can be willing to suffer for their sins, I am unable to stand in the gap for them.

Prayer:

Father God, continue to humble me, break me, and teach me.  Give me strength, courage, and hope.

Moments

Scripture:

2 Samuel 19:1-8

1 Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now.”

8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him.

Observations:

Though I’ve always viewed David as a sanguine, I see am acting very melancholic in this story. Feeling sorry for himself, not wanting to lead, not caring about what others want, need, or see. But his friend and colleague, Joab, like always, brings the hard truth to him. David responds and does what he must – though it is not what he feels.

Applications:

How many times have I sought to do what I feel, even though it doesn’t agree with my calling?

U2 has a song that talks about being “Stuck in a Moment.” That is what often happens to me. Whether it be nostalgia, depression, grief, vision, perfectionism, opportunity, woulda/coulda/shoulda – or whatever. Being stuck in a moment is very different from living in the moment.

Living in the moment requires a dynamic approach to feelings and actions. Being stuck in a moment allows me to wallow in the past (nostalgia, depression) or future (vision, perfectionism). Wallowing seems easier, but it is a pleasure that takes its toll. Being dynamic to the current situation, seems like it will take more work, but in reality will allow for greater serenity and courage.

Prayer:

Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy spirit,

We don’t talk much about living in the moment within Christianity. It seems to be a Zen thing – something talked about in the Eastern Mystical Religious practices – but isn’t this what you were talking about in Matthew 6? “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you.” “Think not about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself?”

Please help me to practice the spiritual discipline of living in the moment.

Thanks God – I love you too!

Just and Right

Scripture:

2 Samuel 8:15 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.

Observations:

What is “just and right?” It is amazing how many kings reigned without being just, right, moral, or obedient. Does just imply fair? Does right mean obedient? Does just and right imply the same thing as just and merciful? The genocide that David engaged in does not seem to show much mercy – at least for his enemies. However, his treatment of Mephibosheth certainly shows that he had the ability to be right and merciful.

Applications:

It has been my observation that God honors the leaders that are obedient, just, right, merciful, and God-centric. On the other hand, as we read in Amos 8 yesterday, God does little if anything for those who don’t choose to follow His ways. David’s successes certainly imply that this was attributable to his obedience.

So, many have made the leap that any failure, any lack of thriving, or any disease or dysfunction is due to a lack of obedience. The disciples made this leap when they asked Jesus whose sin caused the man to be crippled.

Does that mean that the family whose child is born dead, was disobedient to God? Does that mean that the church that fails to thrive and grow, is suffering from an obedience issue? Does it mean that the woman who undergoes cancer surgery is not following God? Or the man who loses his job is a sinner?

No, it doesn’t. This is what Job’s friends were trying to tell him. Just confess your sin and everything will be made well. But, as Job so rightly exclaimed, he was innocent.

However, when faced with obstacles, setbacks, roadblocks, or a lack of growth, we should definitely take some time to examine our lives and see if there is anything standing between us and God.

I think it is time for our church, locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide, to take the time, through fasting and prayer, to assess our spiritual condition.

Prayer:

Father God, it is so easy for me to assess other people’s spiritual standing, yet ignore the log in my own eye. I know that this sort of assessment has to start with me. Please reveal to me the things I need to do in order to better walk with you, to better lead, and to reflect your character by being “just and right.”

Surrender and Live

Scripture:

2 Samuel 2:4 …When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, “The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.

1 Chronicles 11:2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’ “

3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the LORD had promised through Samuel.

Observations:

I am continually amazed by the respect David showed to Saul. Even when Saul was on his worst rampage, David refused to dis him. David had plenty of opportunities to undermine, unseat, and even kill Saul – but he refused.  Saul was God’s appointed and for some strange reason David was in no hurry to appoint himself king – even though Samuel had anointed him years ago.

Applications:

I have always been way too eager to list my resume and show my worth to others. I remember being hired at Burger Town, the owner specifically told me she was looking to move me into a supervisory role. So, I began to operate as if. Yet all that did was create animosity with my co-workers, resentment with my boss, and frustration in me.

When I left emergency services and was looking for a part-time job while going to school, I was very quick to tell people about my past, my accomplishments, and my potential. But over time, I realized that people just didn’t care about that stuff. The phrase, “What have you done lately?” comes to mind.

Twice this week I woke up to epiphanies. The first had to do with my “need” to push the congregation. God clearly communicated with me to stop pushing. Pushing only creates frustration in everyone involved; I get frustrated because they aren’t moving, and they get frustrated because I’m pushing them against their will.

The second epiphany was regarding the opportunities to lead. Moses wasn’t called into leadership and appointed simultaneously. David was anointed at a young age, but wasn’t appointed until much later. Paul was called on the Road to Damascus, but it was years later before he actually entered a leadership role. I heard God saying: “wait for it.”

IOW, my role, in God’s plan (for my life, my family’s life, and my church’s life) will come when I least expect it. My role now is to love God, love my family, and love my church. The tasks come with direction. The relationships come with intention. I have to be intentional about developing these relationships and quit trying so hard to change the world.

One of the phrases Professor Olafsson uttered during my class last week was this: “Moses wasn’t ready to be a world changer until he was 80 years old (paraphrased).” This really struck me. I’m not in charge of my destiny. I’m not in charge of determining what difference I will make in the world. I’m not in charge of who I will influence. Also, I will be of greater good and influence when I am fully surrendered to God – no matter how long that takes. But the quicker I get right with Him, the sooner He can use me.

Bottom line is this: I have to stop being a human doing and start being a human being. Just being with God is my role. When I am with Him, surrendered to Him, walking with Him, and open to Him – then I can be used. Until then, all my best efforts are like “filthy rags.”

Prayer:

Father God, please give me courage to let go and quit being task oriented. Please give me the courage to quit trying to earn respect. Please help me to know who you really are and what my role truly is. Please teach me to walk with you – without running ahead and without getting distracted by the cares of this world.