Barnabas Piper's Blog, page 31

The Second Advent

The first advent came to fruition on a silent night when the star came upon a midnight clear in royal David’s city, that little town of Bethlehem when Mary laid her baby boy away in the manger. The herald angels sang and declared joy to the world. It’s easy to think of that first advent in soft hues, hushed voices, and sweet melodies, a sort of Rembrandt-meets-Thomas-Kinkade moment. 

But we would do well to consider the fearful, human circumstances of that day because to consider Advent is to consider a real-life event with all it’s pungent, raucous tangibility. And to consider the second advent is all that wrapped in heavenly beauty and power. When Jesus completed His mission on earth, Acts tells us that “he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Jesus physically ascended. Then the text tells us “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven” (v.11). 

Did you see that? This same Jesus will come back in the same way. “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God” (1Thessalonians 4:16). The first advent celebrated the humble arrival of an infant King. The second advent anticipates the glorious, overwhelming return of that King in all His splendor and power.

Revelation 19 paints a magnificent dual picture of what we have to anticipate. John describes a massive, rejoicing wedding party for the King as he arrives to wed His bride, the church, in all the glory he has given her. Then the passage describes the royal groom differently, riding a white horse, wearing a crown, adorned in blood-dipped robes and wielding a sword from His mouth. He leads an army and “with justice he judges and makes war…He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 19:11,15). The second advent is one of deep joy and deep justice. Our King Jesus will return to make us His and make us whole, and He will wipe out all that opposes Him and oppresses. He will bring true and final peace on earth and good will toward men.

We wait eagerly for Christ’s return, but we do not wait passively. We’ve been told how we’re to live as we await this second advent: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have the presence of our King in us now, by His Spirit. That is the seal and proof of His promise to come back. And we live for Him as we await His return.

The first advent came to fruition on a silent night when the star came upon a midnight clear in royal David’s city, that little town of Bethlehem when Mary laid her baby boy away in the manger. The herald angels sang and declared joy to the world. It’s easy to think of that first advent in soft hues, hushed voices, and sweet melodies, a sort of Rembrandt-meets-Thomas-Kinkade moment. 

But we would do well to consider the fearful, human circumstances of that day because to consider Advent is to consider a real-life event with all it’s pungent, raucous tangibility. And to consider the second advent is all that wrapped in heavenly beauty and power. When Jesus completed His mission on earth, Acts tells us that “he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Jesus physically ascended. Then the text tells us “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven” (v.11). 

Did you see that? This same Jesus will come back in the same way. “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God” (1Thessalonians 4:16). The first advent celebrated the humble arrival of an infant King. The second advent anticipates the glorious, overwhelming return of that King in all His splendor and power.

Revelation 19 paints a magnificent dual picture of what we have to anticipate. John describes a massive, rejoicing wedding party for the King as he arrives to wed His bride, the church, in all the glory he has given her. Then the passage describes the royal groom differently, riding a white horse, wearing a crown, adorned in blood-dipped robes and wielding a sword from His mouth. He leads an army and “with justice he judges and makes war…He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 19:11,15). The second advent is one of deep joy and deep justice. Our King Jesus will return to make us His and make us whole, and He will wipe out all that opposes Him and oppresses. He will bring true and final peace on earth and good will toward men.

We wait eagerly for Christ’s return, but we do not wait passively. We’ve been told how we’re to live as we await this second advent: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have the presence of our King in us now, by His Spirit. That is the seal and proof of His promise to come back. And we live for Him as we await His return.

This piece was originally published at He Reads Truth, a website of whose purpose is “To help men become who we were made to be, by doing what we were made to do, by the power and provision that God has given us to do it, for the glory of Jesus Christ.” They do this by providing scripture reading plans accompanied by reflections that can be accessed for free online or purchased as print books.

Image by Jorge Guillen from Pixabay 

Light Overcomes the Darkness

When we read of “people walking in darkness” or a “land of darkness” it’s not hard to relate. That’s our reality. We feel the burden of the world’s evil daily—injustice, political upheaval, heinous crimes, greed, spite, dishonesty, exploitation, outrage, slander. And that’s all just in the morning’s headlines and a scroll through social media. It feels dark in our land. And in darkness we feel lost, like there is no obvious solution or way out. We struggle to even imagine a light that could drive out this darkness. 

But that is what Scripture promises. Or, more accurately, who Scripture promises. 

When Isaiah 9:2 says, “a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness,” it sounds pleasant, like the soft glow of morning. But does it stack up against the overwhelming bleak darkness of this world? Well, consider the following, then answer that question. 

This Light will increase the joy and rejoicing of the people (Isaiah 9:3). It will break the yoke and rod of oppression (v.4). It will turn war implements into kindling (v.5). It will establish a government marked by never ending prosperity, righteousness, and justice governed by the Prince of Peace (vv.6–7). That is no metaphor, and it is about as similar to pleasant as the sun is to a candle.

Christ (for, of course, He is the light prophesied about here as Matthew 4:15–16 explains) is no simple spark in the darkness. He drives out the darkness. Jesus is not a candle in a cave, He is the sun burning away the gloom and shadows of evil. That’s why Isaiah said a light has “dawned”—Jesus brought a new day of His perfect, everlasting kingdom.

Yes, it is still dark here, but it’s not pitch black. Jesus did come, that child promised in Isaiah 9. He did establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace. And He will one day return in all His blazing glory to drive out all darkness, forever. In the meantime the light of Jesus shines through His Word and His people by the power of His Spirit. We face evils daily, but we do not face them alone. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?” (Psalms 27:1)

Jesus is our light, today, in this dark world. He is our salvation from evil, that which surrounds us and that which lives in us. And that means the darkness will not overcome us. We need not fear. Like Micah, we can boldly say “the LORD will be my light” (Micah 7:8).

This piece was originally published at He Reads Truth, a website of whose purpose is “To help men become who we were made to be, by doing what we were made to do, by the power and provision that God has given us to do it, for the glory of Jesus Christ.” They do this by providing scripture reading plans accompanied by reflections that can be accessed for free online or purchased as print books.

 Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

The Power and Love of God

“Power belongs to God, and. . . to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.” (Psalm 62:11-12)

In this world, power is usually more frightening than it is good. Why? Because it is abused. In a sinful world, those with the greatest power are the greatest threat, especially to the weak and vulnerable. It’s why we have checks and balances in our government system, to mitigate the abuse of power by one person or group.

So when we hear in Psalm 62:11 that “power belongs to God,” it can easily sound frightening. An all-powerful God is a God with no limits on the damage he can do. Who could stop him? And sometimes it is tempting to view God this way, as a cosmic dictator who is out to get us.

But the passage doesn’t stop there. Verse 12 says, “to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.” So what kind of a powerful God is he? A steadfastly loving one. That means his love never wanes or fails or falters or changes. He is marked by love. 1 John 4 tells us that God is love. And his power puts that love into action in a way and to the extent that no one else can. It is all-powerful love!

God’s power is fearful if we choose to fight it, but when we put our trust in Him, he will simply powerfully love us.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Gleb Lukomets on Unsplash

The Sheep of His Pasture

“But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” (Psalm 79:13)

Psalm 79:13 describes God’s people as “the sheep of his pasture.” This conjures up peaceful images of rolling hills dotted with fluffy white sheep. And that is good, as far as it goes. It is a picture of peace with God. But there is so much more here too.

It tells us that we are his. We belong to God. And God will not lose those who are His (John 10:27-30). He will not carelessly misplace us or forget about us or trade us in or anything else that lets us out of his hand. We are his, forever. So when we feel anxious or afraid or like we are abandoned, remember we are God’s.

It also locates us in God’s kingdom and under his care and authority. We are the sheep of his pasture. This world is his. No part of it is outside his loving care and control. We are near God, located with God. Sometimes it seems like we are in the wilderness, surrounded by threats on all sides. But remember, we are in God’s pasture under his loving, watchful gaze.

Today you can trust that God is watching over you. You are never outside his reach or his gaze. And he cares for you as your loving shepherd.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Sam Carter on Unsplash

The Deep Mind of God

“How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!” (Psalm 92:5)

How often do you think about how God thinks and his mind works?

Psalm 92 is a wonderful psalm full of praise to God, and verse 5 says, “How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!” We often praise God for his works. They are easy to see, after all, but the verse says, “Your thoughts are very deep.” What are we supposed to do with this? Why is it a reason to praise God?

The fact that God’s thoughts are deep and his knowledge is “too wonderful” for us (Psalm 139:6) is a comfort! This is a reminder that God holds all knowledge and that his mind is wrapped around truths and realities that we could never comprehend or even imagine. And that is a good thing too.

Imagine if we could understand every one of God’s thoughts. That would make him inferior to us- or, at best, our equal. But his thoughts are very deep. They understand and encompass everything for all time. They have planned the future. And so we can put our trust in him.

When we are at a total loss about how to manage life, what to do next, how to solve a problem, or what the future holds, we can remember that his thoughts are very deep. God is not at a loss. He’s not confused. He holds the future. He holds our future. So we can praise him and rest in him.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

Jesus Wept

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

One of the most comforting verses in the Bible to me is also the shortest verse. It says simply, “Jesus wept.”

This is so comforting because it shows that Jesus understands grief and pain. He wept at the death of his dear friend, Lazarus. He wept at the pain and sorrow it caused Mary and Martha, Lazarus’s sisters. He wept because he hated the evil of death. Jesus felt deeply, and that means He understands and is with us in our deepest, most challenging moments.

But it’s also comforting because of what it doesn’t mean. When we weep at a loss, it’s because we couldn’t change or fix it. We feel helpless, at wit’s end. But that isn’t the case for Jesus. Yes, he wept at the death of a dear friend. But shortly before that moment, He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

So Jesus already promised that He would overcome death and that all who trust in Him would live forever with Him. His weeping wasn’t from helplessness. He wasn’t at wit’s end. He wasn’t grasping for answers. He is the answer to pain and sorrow and loss and helplessness.

This means we have a savior who not only understands our sorrows and shares them with us but also one who has promised to overcome them and set things right in the end. Let’s cling to Jesus as the resurrection and the life today.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Mayank Dhanawade on Unsplash 

He Forgets Our Sins

“For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34)

I often leave home and forget something I need, like my lunch or my coffee (and yes, I need my coffee). Or I’ll walk into a room and completely forget why I am there. If I go to the grocery store for more than two items, I need a list, or I will forget something. Forgetfulness comes easily, and it is always accidental. We don’t try to forget stuff; we just do, and it’s frustrating.

This sort of frustrating, absent-minded forgetfulness raises a question: what does the Bible mean when it talks about God forgetting our sins? We know he is perfectly wise and knows everything, so how does He forget? He doesn’t do anything by accident. If He did, we would be in deep trouble.

The Bible tells us that God intentionally erases our sins. He blots them out (Acts 3:19). When the Bible tells us he will remove them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12), it means he will utterly remove them. So God’s forgetfulness is a promise that says to us, “because Jesus has paid for them already, I will never think about your sins again or hold them over your head, ever.”

Friends, we have a harder time forgetting our own sins than God does. We cling to them longer and view ourselves as marked by them. But if we trust Jesus, God doesn’t look at us and see our sins. He looks at us and sees the righteousness of His Son. He forgets our sins completely.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash

Whatever is GOOD

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 )

When I read this verse, my natural response is only to notice the command aspect of it: think like this. So it feels like a standard I have to measure up to. If I don’t think like this, I will have failed, and God will be disappointed in me.

It certainly is a command, and God does call us to think in a pure and holy way. But if that’s all it is, well, I fail all the time. I’ve already failed dozens of times in the past week. I think about dishonorable things. I get angry and want vengeance instead of justice. I certainly have impure and unlovely thoughts. And so do you. We sin in our minds every day.

So thankfully, this verse is not merely a command we can’t keep and a standard we don’t measure up to.

Reflect on that list: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise. What does that sound like? More specifically, who does that sound like? It sounds like a description of Jesus Christ. This verse isn’t primarily a standard we can’t meet but an invitation to reflect on Jesus, to think about Jesus, and thus to draw near to Jesus. It isn’t abstract. We don’t have to guess what kinds of things are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Jesus is.

And when (not if) we fail at it, it is Jesus who welcomes us back and offers us even more of Himself so that we can see and know even more clearly that He is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Two Little Words that Mean So Much

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mark 16:7)

Sometimes the most life-giving and encouraging words in scripture are almost hidden. You have to read and listen carefully to notice them.

In Mark 16, we see several women approaching the tomb of Jesus. They had witnessed his death. They knew where he was buried and expected Him to be there. Where else would a dead man be? (I mean, other than the fact that he had promised not  to be there.) So they are prepared to anoint his body for proper burial since he was buried hastily after his crucifixion.

When they arrive, they encounter an angel who tells them that Jesus isn’t there but is alive. Then he says to them, “go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

Did you catch it? That one little phrase: and Peter. This is the same Peter who denied Jesus three times when Jesus was on trial. Despite his bold pronouncements and loud protestations at the last supper, he had played the coward and abandoned his friend and savior. Now, upon rising from the dead, Jesus immediately thinks of Peter and singles him out for good news and hope. One more time, in case it didn’t land: when the savior of the world arose in victory, he thought first about his denier, and he gave mercy and assurance.

In that one little phrase, we hear the heart of Jesus for those who have blown it, for those who feel unforgivable. We know Peter was a wreck; he had wept bitterly over his sin. And that is the one Jesus singles out with the hope of His resurrection life and with his love.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

What Can Man Do to Me?

“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)

If you pay any attention to the news or to social media, and most of us do whether we want to or not, it is easy to see that people can be nasty to each other. People can be petty. People can be mean. People can be unjust. People can even be dangerous. And when people have power, all these can cause enormous and widespread damage.

So when David asks, in Psalm 56, “What can man do to me?” the answer sure seems like an awful lot! Man can hurt you, shame you, tear you down, ruin your reputation, rob you, or even kill you.

So is David just being arrogant? Is he playing the tough guy? Not at all. He’s being totally realistic because he sees and knows something greater than any person or group of people.  The words leading up to that question show us what.

When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

Sure, people can do a lot, but they can’t take God off His throne. They can’t separate us from the love of God. They can’t snatch us out of God’s hand. They can’t take the future or the hope of anyone who trusts in God. They can’t undo the victory of Jesus on the cross. They can’t make God leave or forsake us. So what can man do to me? God holds us today and for eternity, and in his presence is fullness of joy.

I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe! 

Photo by Juan Rojas on Unsplash