Saturday, September 24, 2011
But God's Doing a NEW Thing!
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:19, KJV). Unfortunately, every time I read this verse, I'm NOT reminded of God's beautiful promise to Israel. This is the verse that I've heard many people use to justify moving outside of God's Word in some "move of the Spirit." When questioned about the validity of their actions, they invariably point to this chapter and verse to explain their behavior. In essence, their explanation goes something like this, "Look, I know that what I'm doing (or saying or teaching or promoting) is not necessarily mentioned in the Bible, but look - "God's doing a NEW THING!"
The first, and most obvious, problem with this reasoning is that it is using a scripture completely out of context! This promise from the Lord was not intended to become our license (or Israel's) to move outside of scriptural boundaries and safeguards. I find it hard to believe that God would want His promise to ancient Israel to become the justification for "new" teaching, behavior or practice.
Usually, those who are seeking some "new move of the Spirit," want to go outside of what they perceive as stale church worship or dead Christian practice. Their belief is that the church (the local body or overall) is in need of some change. I've heard the reasoning cloaked in phrases like "Spirit-led," "new move," and "greater revelation." (The ultimate trump card that is often played when questioned by pastoral leadership is: "God told me so.") But this verse from Isaiah's prophecy was never intended to justify actions without accountability - from Scripture or from spiritual leadership! Using this verse as a license for scripturally unsanctioned behavior is like telling the policeman that you're not "under the law" anymore, so you don't have to obey the speed limits. Absurd!
I've been accused of "grieving" and "quenching" the Spirit. I've heard the justification that "wild fire is better than no fire." Of course, the careless disregard for others (especially those who are young in the Lord) is dismissed because of the greater right to exercise this new liberty in the Lord. The lack of humility, kindness, gentleness and compassion are not even considered. It never registers that this "lack of" reveals a prevailing immaturity and a decidedly unspiritual attitude.
Here is the heart of the problem: most of the people that I have heard use this passage as their reasoning are not under any spiritual leadership. They disdain the church and are not connected in any significant relational way - except with those who share and affirm their views. Most arrogantly assume that they are "above correction" and that their new (and greater) revelation sets them apart from any need for leadership or guidance.
The avoidance of honest discourse isn't surprising when people feel that they are under some "mandate" from God. But that doesn't give us the "right" to do an "end run" around the leadership of the local church! This was at the heart of many of the problems in the Corinthian church, and as we read Paul's rebukes we are reminded of the same tendencies in the modern church. Spiritual leadership is a gift to the church and Scripture is replete with examples of submitting to godly leadership and not causing strife or division within the body. "Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit" (Hebrews 13:17, NLT). No one is above the guidelines, structure, correction and reproof that Scripture provides - through the Bible - and through pastoral leadership. And there is no greater revelation than God's Word!
God's Word is given as our rule and it creates boundaries that certainly limit our "liberties." "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV). Using one scripture, pulled out of context, to justify what we may "feel" is right, must not become our reasoning for unscriptural behavior or practice. We have God's Word for a reason and we must use it to weigh our attitudes and actions by ALL of Scripture.
So, the next time we feel that God is doing a new thing: We must consider our motivations and check our attitude before the Lord. Don't forget that the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are not mutually exclusive - they work in beautiful harmony! It is important to stay submitted to Godly leadership - our pastors and leaders can provide the guidance, protection and correction that we need when we believe that God is moving in a new way. It is imperative to test what we feel against the guidelines of God's Word.
I am not questioning God's abilities. He is certainly "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20, KJV)! But He will never compromise His character and He will never contradict His Word (what is revealed of Him and through Him in Scripture).
The first, and most obvious, problem with this reasoning is that it is using a scripture completely out of context! This promise from the Lord was not intended to become our license (or Israel's) to move outside of scriptural boundaries and safeguards. I find it hard to believe that God would want His promise to ancient Israel to become the justification for "new" teaching, behavior or practice.
Usually, those who are seeking some "new move of the Spirit," want to go outside of what they perceive as stale church worship or dead Christian practice. Their belief is that the church (the local body or overall) is in need of some change. I've heard the reasoning cloaked in phrases like "Spirit-led," "new move," and "greater revelation." (The ultimate trump card that is often played when questioned by pastoral leadership is: "God told me so.") But this verse from Isaiah's prophecy was never intended to justify actions without accountability - from Scripture or from spiritual leadership! Using this verse as a license for scripturally unsanctioned behavior is like telling the policeman that you're not "under the law" anymore, so you don't have to obey the speed limits. Absurd!
I've been accused of "grieving" and "quenching" the Spirit. I've heard the justification that "wild fire is better than no fire." Of course, the careless disregard for others (especially those who are young in the Lord) is dismissed because of the greater right to exercise this new liberty in the Lord. The lack of humility, kindness, gentleness and compassion are not even considered. It never registers that this "lack of" reveals a prevailing immaturity and a decidedly unspiritual attitude.
Here is the heart of the problem: most of the people that I have heard use this passage as their reasoning are not under any spiritual leadership. They disdain the church and are not connected in any significant relational way - except with those who share and affirm their views. Most arrogantly assume that they are "above correction" and that their new (and greater) revelation sets them apart from any need for leadership or guidance.
The avoidance of honest discourse isn't surprising when people feel that they are under some "mandate" from God. But that doesn't give us the "right" to do an "end run" around the leadership of the local church! This was at the heart of many of the problems in the Corinthian church, and as we read Paul's rebukes we are reminded of the same tendencies in the modern church. Spiritual leadership is a gift to the church and Scripture is replete with examples of submitting to godly leadership and not causing strife or division within the body. "Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit" (Hebrews 13:17, NLT). No one is above the guidelines, structure, correction and reproof that Scripture provides - through the Bible - and through pastoral leadership. And there is no greater revelation than God's Word!
God's Word is given as our rule and it creates boundaries that certainly limit our "liberties." "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV). Using one scripture, pulled out of context, to justify what we may "feel" is right, must not become our reasoning for unscriptural behavior or practice. We have God's Word for a reason and we must use it to weigh our attitudes and actions by ALL of Scripture.
So, the next time we feel that God is doing a new thing: We must consider our motivations and check our attitude before the Lord. Don't forget that the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are not mutually exclusive - they work in beautiful harmony! It is important to stay submitted to Godly leadership - our pastors and leaders can provide the guidance, protection and correction that we need when we believe that God is moving in a new way. It is imperative to test what we feel against the guidelines of God's Word.
I am not questioning God's abilities. He is certainly "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20, KJV)! But He will never compromise His character and He will never contradict His Word (what is revealed of Him and through Him in Scripture).
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Who Will I Send?
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8a) Did you catch Isaiah's eager reply? “Here I am. Send me” (Isa. 6:8b). No deliberation or weighing the pros and cons or considering the cost. "Here I am. Send me." He didn't even know what God was going to tell the people! In fact, as you read verses 9 and 10, you get the very real sense that this was not going to be a very uplifting or gratifying experience for Isaiah. That may be why he asks, “Lord, how long will this go on?” (v. 11).
When I felt that God was calling me into the ministry, I ran the other way (NOT in a wild prodigal son kind of way - just far enough to get away from that persistent Voice). I thought it might just be some pentecostal emotionalism (not how I phrased it way back when). I made excuses for how unqualified I was - "No member of my family had ever been in the ministry!" (Actually, most of my extended family wasn't even saved.) But God persisted in His call.
When God put His finger on my heart one Sunday night in church, I knew the running was over, there wasn't a doubt about Who was calling, and all of my "reasonable" excuses had failed. That night, I surrendered and said, "Yes, to the call that You have on my life."
I wish I could say that everyone affirmed the call and was excited for me, but that's just not true. My girlfriend at the time, a nice Baptist girl (who shall remain nameless), broke up with me and dropped me like a whacked-out radioactive hot potato. By the way, that was the first (and last) time that she ever went to church with me. She actually rode home with my mom instead of me that night!
I also wish that I could say I was totally jazzed about pursuing a "lucrative" future in ministry (NOT what I had in mind as a 17 year old millionaire to be and my mom and dad were very worried that I would be a poor, penniless preacher). In fact, over the next couple of months, I still tried to reason away this notion of serving God in the ministry. I tried to figure a way out, but now, over 28 years later, I can tell you that I'm glad that I replied with that reluctant "yes."
I can't imagine what my life would have been like outside of the ministry. (I know that we're not able to see the "might have beens" or "what ifs" in our lives. Maybe in heaven...) Like Isaiah, and so many of the other prophets, God has taken me to some amazing places and I've met some wonderful (and not so wonderful) people (you know who you are! heh). I am certainly not rich in any material way, but God has NEVER failed to provide our every need.
I am privileged to continue to serve Him in this preaching and teaching ministry. I've made mistakes and I've failed at times in the mission. (Too numerable to recount and that's REALLY not a road that I want to take, but my regrets seem to travel with me - even more so, as I realize how careless and arrogant I was as a young minister. "Grace, Lord, please! For myself, but also for those who were part of my life at those times.") I've probably been more like Jonah than Isaiah, but God has always been faithful.
In looking back over these thoughts, I've used the "I" word a lot in this blog, but since it's a personal narrative, I (Ugh, there it is again!) believe that I'm (yikes!) allowed to. The bottom line? Isaiah's book may have his name on it, but it is really God's story. Like Isaiah, these reflections and my story, are really not about me, but about God using a less-than-perfect vessel to get His word out. My life and ministry is about His wonderful and amazing grace, His power and His steadfast love and faithfulness.
It has been a privilege to have been a part of what God is doing in people's lives. I'm humbled that God would call someone like me to do something for Him. At almost 50 years of age, I find myself needing to respond to Him again, "Here I am. Send me."
When God put His finger on my heart one Sunday night in church, I knew the running was over, there wasn't a doubt about Who was calling, and all of my "reasonable" excuses had failed. That night, I surrendered and said, "Yes, to the call that You have on my life."
I wish I could say that everyone affirmed the call and was excited for me, but that's just not true. My girlfriend at the time, a nice Baptist girl (who shall remain nameless), broke up with me and dropped me like a whacked-out radioactive hot potato. By the way, that was the first (and last) time that she ever went to church with me. She actually rode home with my mom instead of me that night!
I also wish that I could say I was totally jazzed about pursuing a "lucrative" future in ministry (NOT what I had in mind as a 17 year old millionaire to be and my mom and dad were very worried that I would be a poor, penniless preacher). In fact, over the next couple of months, I still tried to reason away this notion of serving God in the ministry. I tried to figure a way out, but now, over 28 years later, I can tell you that I'm glad that I replied with that reluctant "yes."
I can't imagine what my life would have been like outside of the ministry. (I know that we're not able to see the "might have beens" or "what ifs" in our lives. Maybe in heaven...) Like Isaiah, and so many of the other prophets, God has taken me to some amazing places and I've met some wonderful (and not so wonderful) people (you know who you are! heh). I am certainly not rich in any material way, but God has NEVER failed to provide our every need.
I am privileged to continue to serve Him in this preaching and teaching ministry. I've made mistakes and I've failed at times in the mission. (Too numerable to recount and that's REALLY not a road that I want to take, but my regrets seem to travel with me - even more so, as I realize how careless and arrogant I was as a young minister. "Grace, Lord, please! For myself, but also for those who were part of my life at those times.") I've probably been more like Jonah than Isaiah, but God has always been faithful.
In looking back over these thoughts, I've used the "I" word a lot in this blog, but since it's a personal narrative, I (Ugh, there it is again!) believe that I'm (yikes!) allowed to. The bottom line? Isaiah's book may have his name on it, but it is really God's story. Like Isaiah, these reflections and my story, are really not about me, but about God using a less-than-perfect vessel to get His word out. My life and ministry is about His wonderful and amazing grace, His power and His steadfast love and faithfulness.
It has been a privilege to have been a part of what God is doing in people's lives. I'm humbled that God would call someone like me to do something for Him. At almost 50 years of age, I find myself needing to respond to Him again, "Here I am. Send me."
Labels: calling, Isaiah 6:8, ministry
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