Coffee With The Lord

Over the next several days I’m reading in one of my favorite parts of the Bible – Psalms 146-150 – HYMNS OF PRAISE… they all have a strong vertical orientation focusing on God, His character, His worthiness of praise! (Just a sidelight for those who lead worship in a local church… My recommendation: Always begin with worship music that points people upward and leads them to focus on awesome character of God. Reason? It prepares them to respond appropriately to Him later on as the worship experience develops… for what it’s worth from an ol’ pastor and prof)

I used to tell my students when they were studying a passage… Always begin by identifying the central truth of a passage (and as much as is possible identify it in the very words of the Biblical writer). Sometimes repetition reveals it (as in this passage), other times the logic of the passage points to it, at other times the writer just comes out and says it. So what about Psalm 146…

KEY IDEA? MAIN FOCUS? “PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL! (verses 1 and 10 – a bracketed emphasis!)

The reasons? Verses 6–10… “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever – your God … for all generations!” What a wonderful, awesome God, eh?!!

Then the resulting exhortation?… “Do not put your trust in princes – in human being who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground – on that very day their plans come to nothing!” (verses 3-4)

Then back to the key idea! … PRAISE THE LORD! (vs. 10b)

Ya know, after I wrote this, I thought to myself … Sounds too much like an ol’ prof!! … Aw phooey! Once in a while it’s ok I guess… 

“PALAVER” – Webster defines it as “a long parlay between persons of different levels of culture or sophistication; idle talk; to talk profusely or idly.” You might refer to it as a lot of “hot air” – a long and extended argument that produces a lot more heat than it does light.

I have a friend (who will remain unnamed) who never saw an animated argument he didn’t like. He seems to gravitate to discussions filled with controversy. He likes it when voices are raised, conflict ensues, accusations are leveled at others, people are called names and things are said that wound and hurt others… I mean the guy really seems to enjoy it! He likes it so much he seeks out opportunities and issues like that, and brings them up in conversations whenever he gets a chance. What really is troubling to me is that those discussions are over religious practices, the work of the church, Biblical interpretation and theology. I wish he’d stop it!! Oh, you know this guy? Not the same guy? Another one just like him? Lord, help us!! More than one?!!!

Interestingly I read a passage from the Bible this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that addresses this issue (and problem)…

Apostle Paul had urged Timothy to “stay in Ephesus so that you can command certain people” not to engage in those kinds of discussions. Here is what he said about them…

Apostle Paul warned “Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and turned to meaningless talk… they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (from 1 Timothy 1.3-7 NIV)

Don’t know about you, but I’m a little edgy about hanging around someone who always wants a good argument! I feel much more at home in a sincere conversation with someone characterized by “love, a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith.” I want to talk about the Lord, His provisions, Christian living, and the cause of the Gospel in that kind of way, don’t you?! I’m praying for my friend… (and looking for the right opportunity to talk to him lovingly about his problem.)

I’M TIRED OF “PALAVER” – ESPECIALLY “RELIGIOUS PALAVER!”

I just finished reading Apostle Paul’s 2nd letter to the Thessalonians this morning… If you know anything about Paul’s concerns in the letter, you’re aware he was deeply concerned that these believers respond to issues related to the “last days” and the 2nd Coming in a healthy way! …

“Now, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed…to the effect that the day of the Lord has come!” (2:1-2)

Speculation, false teaching, and a host of opinions regarding “the last days” are rampant today, as they were then! Fear, anxiety, and conjecture beyond the clear teaching of Scripture abound! Watchfulness and a sustained attitude of spiritual alertness is appropriate – anxiety and fearfulness are not!

Interestingly, in light of that, Paul closes this letter with an appropriate prayer and blessing for God’s people… “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way! The Lord be with you! … The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!” (2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 ESV)

And as we approach the time of the end and the return of our Lord with signs that signal “the last days” that’s my prayer for you! “Watchful, alert, Biblically informed, and engaged in evangelism and the Lord’s work… but experiencing ‘peace at all times in every way!”