Brian Olson Uncategorized

Me Last?

Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:1-4

Do you remember kindergarten? When recess time came, you always wanted to be first in line. After all, being first in line meant you would be the first on the playground. It meant you had your pick of what to do. You could get on the swings, or the slide, or the monkey bars, or the merry-go-round without having to wait. Of course, you also learned that being first in line was not always enough; you also had to be fast. But whether you were first in line or the fastest, the simple truth remains that you wanted to be first on the playground. You were looking out for yourself.

Now we’re grown up and have surely moved beyond such things. Surely we’re not in it simply for ourselves. But have we really changed that much? Look around us; we have it drilled in our heads that we need to” “look out for number one.”

Look at the slogans businesses use to get our attention”. “Have it your way,” “You deserve a break today,” “You are now free to roam around the country,” and “Just do it.” We are bombarded with this mindset: “It’s about me.” Even when we do something for someone else, we often have the ulterior motive of what we will get out of it in return.

Simply put, we are a selfish people. Something psychologists Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell talk about in their book, “The”Narcissism Epidemic.” In it, they explore the rise of narcissism in American culture. We are looking out for ourselves. So then, how are we to respond to God’s word found in Philippians 2. When Paul writes, “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others,” what does it mean?

“Is he serious? Value others ahead of me? I need to look out for myself. After all, if I don’t, who will? Besides, who made me my brother’s keeper”

“Brother’s keeper.” Isn’t it funny how quickly this passage from scripture comes to people’s minds when confronted with the needs of others? Yet we forget the context of this phrase. We forget that these are the words of Cain in Genesis 4 after committing the first murder. Words that epitomize the selfishness of Cain’s heart and the selfishness of our hearts.

Things had not gone the way Cain desired, and he felt that his brother was getting preferred treatment. After all, he and his brother had both given sacrifices. Did it really matter that his brother had given his best while he did not?

Is our response really that different when things don’t go our way? Even if it is our own doing? Rather than accept responsibility we cry out, “Why is this happening to me?” “Why does everyone else get what they want”?” “What about me?”

In response, Cain took the life of his brother. If he couldn’t get his way, then he was going to make sure his brother didn’t get his way either. Now, I dare say that most of us have not taken the life of another out of such selfishness and jealousy, but are our motives any better? Do we celebrate with the success of others, or do we secretly think “Why not me?” “When is it my turn””

When God asked Cain about Abel, his response was those all too familiar words,””Am I my brother’s keeper” And so we also ask, “Is it my job to worry about everyone else””God’s answer … is yes. This is what Paul tells us in Philippians 2 when he writes,” Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Think about it for a minute. A world where people aren’t worried about simply getting ahead, but meeting the needs of their neighbors. A world where we do not say, what can I get out of life, but what do others need that I can do someting about. It seems ridiculous to us. I mean, if I don’t look out for myself, who will? … God will.

He has promised to those who will put their faith in Him that He will never leave them. He has promised that He will supply all of our needs. Now don’t missunderstand. He is not saying that we do not need to do anything. Nor is ‘he promising that you will be wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. He is saying that He will provide for and meet your needs. And if God is watching out for our needs, then is it really too much to ask that we watch out for the needs of others. When you do, you may discover something pretty amazing. When we genuinely see the real needs of others and make these our concern, our selfish desires begin to seem pretty petty. We begin to see how much those around us are in need and how truly blessed we really are.

So what does it mean to put others first? There are a few passages of scripture that give an idea. James writes in chapter 1, verse 27 that pure and genuine religion is to “visit orphans and widows in their distress”” In chapter 7, verses 9 – 10 Zechariah writes that “this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says’ ‘Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor'” Jesus declared in Matthew 5:43 – 44 “You have heard the law that says, ”’Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you” Jesus drives home the point in Matthew 25:35-36, 40 he says, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Then the righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when’… And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.”

Widows, orphans, migrants, the poor, your enemies, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned. Here we find a broad, though not exhaustive, list of those who are most needy, the most despised, the most ostracized in society. It is easy to consider the needs of those close to us, of those who are like us, but these are the ones we are reminded to remember as well. It is to these that Jesus refers when he says, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12)

This is our calling. Not to think of ourselves first but to put the needs of others ahead of ours. And not just in an attitude of selflessness, but we are called to actions of selflessness. We are to treat others the way we want to be treated. Does this mean we are not to ever take ourselves into consideration? Certainly not. But what it does means is that as much as we consider our needs, it should pale in comparison to the needs of others.

Now this may seem radical. That is because it is. You may be thinking, “How can I do that.” My recommendation is to start small. Don’t think you can change overnight. Start by talking to your neighbors. See if there is anything they need. In time, find somewhere to volunteer, somewhere to get involved. You just might find that it is not as difficult as you thought and the blessings can be beyond measure.

Brian Olson Church Life, Community, Political, Theology, Uncategorized

God Bless America

What is the relationship between Christian faith and patriotism? Are they in conflict with each other? Do they go hand in hand? Is there a place for patriotism in the Church? A friend, a couple of years ago when July 4 fell on a Sunday, expressed the following concern: “Worship services are for celebrating Jesus, not celebrating the United States. I hope your pastor is not planning a special service and message just for the 4th of July. We can celebrate our founding after church.”

He is right that there needs to be a clear distinction between the two. I have seen those who seem to put Christianity and American patriotism on equal footing. And then there are those who argue that to be a good American is to be a good Christian. Taken to the extreme, there are those who are labeled Christian Nationalists; that is they see America as having a special role in God’s work on earth above and beyond that of other nations. While often well-intentioned and possessing some grain of truth, each of these is mistaken in their positions. When considering this, I am reminded of something I wrote several years ago when July 4 also fell on a Sunday.

“On this Lord’s Day which is also our nation’s Independence Day, I am struck with this thought. Being patriotic does not make one a good Christian, but being a good Christian should lead one to a ‘patriotism’ that is thankfulness for God’s past blessing of our nation, a desire to see God glorified in our nation and through our service, and continual prayer for our nations people and it’s leaders.”

The Bible presents us with a clear understanding of our role as Christians in our nation. First and foremost, our identity is not found in the world, or anything in it such as nations. We are sojourners, strangers in a strange land. Jesus in his prayer for the disciples says, “I am not asking that you take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:15-16) Peter calls us “foreigners and strangers.” (1 Peter 2:11). Our identity is not found in National, ethnic, or any identity of this world, but in heaven where we have our citizenship. (Philippians 3:20)

So while our citizenship is found in heaven and we merely sojourn in this world. But this does not mean that we have no role in the world today though, for we have already seen that Jesus did not ask that we be taken out of the world. So while we are here, what are we to do? Jeremiah answers this when he writes, “Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters, Multiply there; do not decrease.” (Jeremiah 29:6) We are to live our lives in this place we have been put, but Jeremiah does not end there when he writes, “Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

No, we are not merely sojourners living in a land that is not ours. We are to seek the prosperity of the land in which we have been placed and pray for it. Additionally, Paul writes, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

This is the role of a Christian in the world today, and those in America are no different. We are to pray for the peoples and the leaders of the land God has placed us in and we are to seek its prosperity. And while this is the role of a Christian, is this not the job of all citizens of a land. So we see that the roles of a Christian and a patriot are united in their goal. So while we must never make the mistake of identifying the two as the same, we should embrace each role.

So I find myself in agreement with those who declare that a Sunday worship service should not become a patriotic celebration, but to be a time of prayer and worship. However, those prayers should include prayer for our nation, its leaders, and its people. I believe this prayer for our nation is clearly embodied in what could be called our national prayer, “God Bless America”. This simple pray for our nation written by Irving Berlin and most famously performed by Kate Smith should be a prayer of every believer in America.

[Spoken Introduction:]
“While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. “

[Song:]
God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above

From the mountains, to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America
My home, sweet home
God bless America
My home, sweet home

Brian Olson Church Life, Easter, Theology, Uncategorized

“I am amazed at my own belief, and I don’t Understand it …” Jordan B. Peterson

As we approach the Easter season, many of us take time to reflect on the person of Christ and the reality of who he is and what he has done. One of my favorite movies this time of year is Risen. A historical fiction following a Roman Tribune who Pilot charges with investigating the rumors of the resurrected Nazarene and to quell any insurrection that may be brewing. In his investigation, his eyes come to be opened. In this film, there are two quotes from Clavius (the Roman Tribune) that strike me. The first is Clavius struggling with what is before him. “I have seen two things which cannot reconcile: A man dead without question, and that same man alive again. I pursue Him, the Nazarene, to ferret the truth.” The second is Clavius trying to come to terms with what he has found. When asked, “What frightens you?” Clavius responds, “Being wrong. Wagering eternity on it.”

This is, of course, a fictional account, but it gives insight into the mind of those struggling with this truth. Now we turn to the real world. In his podcast discussion with Jonathan Pageau, who himself is involved in the Orthodox Christian tradition, Jordan Peterson seems to find himself in a similar struggle to Clavius. For those unfamiliar with Peterson, he is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, well known for his conservative views on political and sociological issues. While not a professing Christian, he has built much of his worldview on morality built on a Judeo-Christian ethic. The theme here is not about his sociological or political views. Rather it is the content of the struggle within him that reflects the same issues seen in Clavius. Here we see the heart of a man who seems to be on the precipice of truly believing. It is moving and compelling, and I pray for God to continue working in Peterson’s heart.

Now Peterson is not special because of his education or his high profile. He is simply a man coming to terms with an incomprehensible truth, what Paul called “foolishness to the greeks.”

“Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.” 1 Corinthians 1:20- 25

Peterson, in his podcast makes the following stements:

When speaking of Christ as the embodiment of “myth” and “Reality,” he says, “The problem is, is I probably believe that but I don’t know … , I don’t … , I’m amazed at my own belief, and I probably don’t understand it.”

He continues with, “Sometimes the objective world and the narrative world touch, … and I’ve seen that many times in my own life. And so, in some sense, I believe it’s undeniable.”

Continuing, he says that ” the ultimate example of that in principle is supposed to be Christ.”

Then he makes the statement that shows the true struggle he is facing. He says, “but I don’t know what to … , that seems to me to be oddly plausible. But I still don’t know what to make of it. It’s too …, partly because it’s too terrifying a reality to fully believe. I don’t even know what would happen to you if you fully believed it.

You can watch the podcast at the link below. The entire podcast is 1 hour and 45 minutes long, but the relevant portion is found from 21 minutes – 24 minutes and 30 seconds.

This is not unique to him, and it can be found in people from all walks of life. Some of you reading may be in this same struggle. I encourage you to pray to God to open your heart to the truth. I invite you to speak with a pastor of a good Bible-preaching church. Additionally, you can find some links below to websites for good organizations to follow-up with.

For those of you who know Christ, I to ask that you pray for Jordan Peterson and for all who find themselves on this precipice to take the step of faith into believing. Take time to build relationships and even serve as a sounding board to help them work through the truth.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Desiring God

Brian Olson Uncategorized

Luke 17 – Preparing for the Kingdom of God

In chapter 17, Jesus continues his teaching by acknowledging that there are going to be stumbling blocks in life. But there is something worse than facing stumbling blocks. It is the one who causes the stumbling blocks. Jesus says, ” It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (v 2, NASB)

He then goes a step further telling his disciples that not only do they need to avoid causing stumbling, the need to watch out for each other. He tells them, “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” (v 4) What is more, it does not matter how much someone sins. If they ask for forgiveness over and over, we need to forgive them over and over.

The response of the apostle is the response of anyone honest. Living up to what Jesus is asking seems impossible. In light of this, they turn to Jesus and ask him to increase their faith. Jesus tells them what we all need to understand. Faith is a powerful thing. Even with the smallest amount of faith, “like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” (v 6)

Jesus next discusses doing what he had commanded us to do. He draws the comparison to a person with a servant. He says the master tells the servant what to do. When the servant does it, the master does not say thank you, because the servant has only done what he was commanded. In the same way, Jesus says “when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’” (v 10) It seems a little harsh, but it is the truth. We do not deserve any thanks for simply doing what we are supposed to do. We are to do it because it is right.

Luke then goes on to tell us about an event as Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, he was met by ten men who were suffering from leprosy. The men asked Jesus to heal them. He tells them to show themselves to the priest. As they were traveling, to see the priest, they discovered that they had been healed. One of the ten immediately returned to Jesus, thank him and praise him. Luke also points out that this one man was not even an Israelite; he was a Samaritan. This does not go unnoticed by Jesus, who says, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Vv 17 – 18) Jesus tells him that it is his faith that has made him well.

After this, Luke tells us that the Pharisees had been questioning Jesus about when the Kingdom of God was going to come. Jesus tells them that it is not coming with signs. He tells them that “the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (v 21)

As we come to the end of the chapter, Jesus now turns to his disciples to talk to them about the coming of the Kingdom. He tells them that the day is coming when you will not need to run after signs. He says, “For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.” (v 24) Jesus then points out that he must suffer and be rejected.

Jesus also tells them that when it comes, it will come as a surprise. Just as the people in Noah’s day, and the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, were eating and drinking up until the disaster hit, so too will people be surprised by the coming of the Kingdom. When it comes, there will be no time to turn around. He then gives several examples of two people together and one is taken away suddenly.

Luke finishes by telling us the Disciples’ response. “And answering, they said to Him, ‘Where, Lord?” And He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will be gathered.’” (v 37) I have to admit, this is a little confusing, but I believe that Jesus is telling them of the disaster that will come in that day. The vultures are symbolic of death. That is what it will be like on that day.

My takeaways from this passage are: 1) we need to help others not to stumble and help restore those who do. 2) Faith, even in the smallest amount, can accomplish great things. And 3) The Kingdom of God will come quite unexpectedly.

Brian Olson Advent, Devotional, Uncategorized

Luke 8 – Responding to Jesus

Today is December 8 and is the second Sunday of advent. The second candle, known as the Bethlehem candle, is lit representing faith. In Luke 7, we saw many examples of the power of faith. As we continue in chapter 8, Luke looks at some other items in the ministry of Jesus, but will again conclude the passage with a look at yet another act of faith.

Luke begins by discussing a more practical side of the itinerant ministry of Jesus. To do ministry cost some money, today or two-thousand years ago. Luke points out to us that Several women had been impacted by the ministry of Jesus and in return, had become followers. These women had significant resources available and chose to share what they had to help cover the cost.

We then find Jesus sharing the parable of the sower. He tells the listeners that sharing the gospel message is like a farmer planting seeds. After finishing the parable, there is an interesting response from his disciples. They did not seem to understand the parable and began questioning him about it. Jesus’ response to this is even more interesting. He says, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.” (v. 10 NASB) Why is it that Jesus says this.? Why would he intentionally say things in such a way that many could not understand it? Perhaps the intention is not to hide the truth, but it is evidence of those who are open to Christ’s message.

Jesus then explains the meaning of the parable. The point is that there are four kinds of people with whom the gospel is shared. The first are those who hear the gospel, but then it goes away. Sort of an in “in one ear, out the other” idea. The second is those who excitedly accept the message, but it stays shallow and eventually fails. The third are those who receive the message but then find the message choked out by the things around them in life.  The final is those who accept the message and flourish.

Continuing on, Jesus gives a second parable. Here he describes the gospel as a lamp. You do not hide it, but instead, you set it out for all to see.

After this, we are left with a story of Jesus speaking in a house. While he was speaking, he was told that his mother and brothers were standing outside waiting to come in. Jesus’ response here is very telling. He says, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Jesus is re-emphasizing a point made earlier in Luke, that family is not necessarily defined by blood, but by a commitment to following Christ.

After this, Luke presents a story that many of us are familiar with. While traveling across the lake, Jesus falls asleep in the boat. During this time, a storm arose. It was such a great storm that they were sure they were going to die. They work Jesus, asking if he even cared. Jesus got up and order the storm to cease, and it did. He then looks at the disciples and asks, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25)

Luke next tells of Jesus’ encounter with a demon-possessed man. The demon, upon seeing Jesus, cried out, “Where is your faith?” (v. 28) Jesus asked the demon its name, and it said legion, meaning it was actually a great many demons who were in the man. Interestingly, they asked Jesus to allow them to go into a herd of pigs rather than being sent into the abyss. He agreed, and the pigs proceeded into run into the water. The reaction of the people from the region was fear, and they asked Jesus to leave. Before doing so, Jesus instructed the man home, but unlike other times, he told him to tell others.

Finally, Luke finishes this chapter by telling of two concurrent miraculous healings done by Jesus. We start Jesus being approached by a Jewish elder named Jairus. Jairus had an only daughter who was dying. Jesus agreed to go with him but is briefly interrupted by a second healing.  A woman who had a hemorrhage for 12 years. She knew Jesus could heal her and believed that if she could only touch the hem of his robe, she would be healed. She did and was, but Jesus, despite being surrounded by so many people, knew that power had gone out and asked who. The woman came forward and told him, to which he said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

He then continued on the way, but they were approached by people from Jairus’s house, Telling him to bother Jesus as the daughter had died. Jesus said, don’t worry; she is just sleeping. While the others in the house scoffed at this, Jairus and his wife, along with Peter, John, and James. He then told the girl to get up, and she did. He then instructed the parents to not tell anyone.

My takeaways from this passage; 1) As followers of Christ, our role is to share the gospel message with those who will listen. 2) People’s response to the gospel is contingent on their receptiveness. 3) Jesus defines family by common purpose and not blood. And 4) Jesus has authority over nature, the supernatural, and life itself.

Brian Olson Uncategorized

Just Drop the Blanket

There is nothing I can add to this. The deep meaning of this symbolic action says it all.

jasonsoroski's avatarThe Way I See It

419244_1280x720This time last year, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” aired on national prime time television for the 50th time. In a world where the latest greatest technology is outdated in a matter of months, and social media trends come and go in a matter of days, 50 years of anything becomes quite meaningful.

View original post 421 more words

Brian Olson Devotional, Hymns, Uncategorized, Worship

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.

Words and Music by James M Black, 1893

 

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 18

Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Matthew 24:30 – 31

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55 – 57

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

 

 

The practice of using a trumpet or bugle to communicate to large groups or over a distance, especially when it comes to military application, traces its history back to ancient times.  One clear example is that God commanded Israel to use trumpets when they marched around Jericho in Joshua 6.  Trumpets were used to announce celebration of victory, to sound an attack  and to signal a retreat.  As the use continued and developed they began to us it to signal the start of the morning, the roll call and the end of the day in military camps.  Traditionally in an american military setting “Taps” signaled the end of the day and “Reveille” signaled the start of the day and roll call. This is the image that James Black draws upon in his hymn, “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.”

Black writes, “When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more.”  The Trumpet is used as a signal of the end times in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 where we read, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.”  The blast of the trumpet signals something is happening.  In this case, the apostle Paul is speaking of a day all Christians await.  The day Jesus will fulfill the promise of Acts 1:10 – 11 and return.

The hymn continues “When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.” This time Black draws our minds to a second passage that references the sound of the trumpet signalling the end of time.  In Matthew 24:31 we read, “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”

The hymn continues by saying, “On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies.”  Again, we are brought back to the 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 17 where Paul tells us, “and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” The glorious news is there.  Death has no final power over those who believe in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55) For as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In light of this truth, the hymn declares what our response should be.  It says, “Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care.” If the gift of God is eternal life, if we can know with confidence that we will one day share in his glorious resurrection, then our response can be nothing else.  We are compelled to give our all for Him knowing what we have been given.  “Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

 

 

Read more about “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.“

Brian Olson Devotional, Hymns, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship

Thank We All Our God

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

Words by Martin Rinkart, 1636
Music by Johann Cruger, 1647

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven
Lamentations 3:41

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:8

let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22

 

From the time we are young our parents taught us to say, Thank you. These two simple words communicate so much. When we receive something, a gift, a compliment, a favor, we say it. It is a way of expressing appreciation for things we receive.

But more often than not it seems to simply be an after thought.  Something we casually throw out because it is the cultural norm.  We don’t stop to think about what we are saying, so in the end it has not real meaning. But then there are those time, though they may be few and far between, that the words are genuine and heart-felt.  They do not come close to relaying the gratitude that is felt and so their meaning carries a profound depth. This is the theme of Martin Rinkart’s, “Now Thank We All Our God.”

Starting with the opening line of the hymn, “Now thank we all our God,” we are drawn in to see our need to express thankfulness to God. We “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” (Psalm 118:1) We give thanks for what He has done. A thankfulness that is not simply expressed in words but comes from our full being. So Rinkart writes, “with heart and hands and voices.” reflecting the words of Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:41 where we read, “Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven.”

Yes, we are to express our deepest gratitude to him. Gratitude to a God “who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices.” We rejoice in God, “who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way. With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.” He has always and will always be there. He alone is our source of joy and true hope.

When we honestly stop to reflect, there is so much that God has given us for which we are grateful. When we stop to realize this, we cannot help but pray that His blessings do not end. This is why Rinkart writes, “O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us.” We pray that God will not leave us and we can rest confidently in the knowledge that, “he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

So we thank God for all he has done. We thank Him for his blessings. We thank him that he will always remain near to us. We lift our voice up to him with “All praise and thanks to God the Father . . . The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven.

 

 

Read more about “Now Thank We All Our God.”

Brian Olson Devotional, Hymns, Uncategorized, Worship

What Have I To Dread

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Words by Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887
Music by Anthony J. Showalter, 1887

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.
Deuteronomy 33:27

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. . . For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:10, 13

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
John 4:16 – 18

One of the things that I remember from growing up may seem a little strange and silly to a lot of people. At the top of the stairs in our house there was a cabinet that kept some of the nice dishes and other items. On the top shelf there was a cookie jar. It was shaped like a cow with a kitten sitting on its back. Now for some unknown reason, I not only did not like the jar, but I refused to go past the cabinet if I could see the cow. This was a problem, especially considering the fact that I had to pass the cabinet to get to my bedroom.

Well my older sister and brother came up with an interesting solution. They went up there with a couple of toy guns and “eliminated” my fear. Now the jar was still there, but for some reason I had a little less problem going by it, though sometimes, I may have been moving quickly.

Seems strange, but we all have fears. Most of them are irrational fears,or phobias. Fear of spiders, Fear of heights, Fear of crowds, Fear of cow shaped cookie jars. Sometimes these fears make us unable to move, sometimes we find strength from facing them.

Now not all fears are irrational. For instance, a fear of walking down a dark alley is actually a reasonable. It is a reminder that we need use common sense precautions in life. But in these cases, just like in the irrational ones, we need to find the strength to move past them.

In the hymn “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” we read, “What have I to dread, what have I to fear?” It speaks with such confidence. But what is the source of this confidence to face fears. In Deuteronomy 31:6 we find the answer. It reads, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This same message is repeated in Isaiah 41:10 where God says, “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” and in verse 13 he continues, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

God is the answer. He is the source of the strength to face our fears. He has promised that he will always be with us and will never leave us.

This strength is made available to each of us through His Son, Jesus Christ. John 4:17 – 18 tells us, “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” The love of God that dwells in us, through our faith in Jesus Christ, will drive the fear away.

Yes there are still genuine dangers we need to be aware of in life, but it is not fear that should rule our response. When we realize that God holds our hand in His, then we sing the words, “ Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms”

Read more about “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.”

Brian Olson Devotional, Hymns, Uncategorized, Worship

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Words by Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1836
William B. Bradbury, 1859

 

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
John 10:1 – 18

 

One of the many things I miss about my childhood is growing up on a farm. To have wide open spaces and animals all around. We had dairy cattle, pigs, ducks, chickens, turkeys, a pony, a couple of miniature mules and three or four sheep.

I love working with animals. But, as anyone with a pet, let alone a who farm knows, animals are a great responsibility. You have to feed them, clean up after them and watch over them. You not only want to meet their needs, but you are seeking to keep them safe as well. You lead them to food and along safe routes. You care for them when they are sick and you keep away dangers.

Historically this is the role that a Shepherd fulfilled, and this is the image that Dorothy Thrupp draws upon in her hymn, “Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us.” The theme is found through out scripture and is an incredible picture of Christ relationship to us.

Thrupp writes, “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.” The message reminds us of the fact that in and of ourselves, we will not do what is best for us. We need Jesus care to watch over us, protect us and to meet our needs.

She continues with the imagery as she writes, “Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.” For the sheep, it was the wolf that was a danger and the shepherd stood guard, ready to fight off any that came. For us, it is sin that is the danger we must beware of. The writer of Hebrews tells us in chapter 12 verse 1 that we need to rid ourselves of “the sin that so easily entangles.” Yes, sin is the danger we face, and it is Christ who stands guard. It is Christ who gives us the strength to stand against sin.

Even so, at times we still wander from the path that Christ our shepherd has laid out for us. When this happens he comes to find us as the shepherd in Luke 15:4 who leaves the 99 to find the one who has become lost.

Thrupp now sets aside her imagery of the Shepherd to speak straight to our situations. She writes, “Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be; Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.” None of us is perfect. More accurately, we are anything but good people. But as sinful and lost as we are, Christ is willing to accept us. But beyond his willingness to accept us, he is able to make us clean and to forgive us for our sins. He is able to make us new, to set us free.

Isaiah 53:6 tells us, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.” This is who we are. When we are left to our own devices, we wander away. But God placed our failings on Christ. He took our place. The rest of Isaiah 53:6 tells us, “and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Christ is our Shepherd and our Savior. He alone can make us new. It is out of thankfulness for Christ loving sacrifice that I sing the final words of this hymn, “Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.”

 

 

Read more about, “Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us.”