Monday, January 3, 2022

Unlocking Newness

This week we will start the New Year by reflecting on our identity.  To begin to understand our function as God's well-made and well-designed people, we need to see what Scripture says about our creation.  I wonder if we have lost the art and purpose of this important and transcendent part of being human?  Our world and our society is built on reaction.  The blur of lyrics to a rap song.  The knee jerk reaction to a political issue.  The quick call for revenge or 'justice.'  A quick Twitter post about sports, society or someone we don't even know.  You know what I am talking about.  But what about reflection?  This is where we use our mind (the one God said we were to love Him with).  We put away childish responses and think about what we are doing.  That's what Psalm 139 is all about!  It reflects on 1) who we are as God's creation, 2) who God is to us, and 3) how God can help us to become better. 

Verse 16 of Psalm 139 sums up the answer to "who are we?"  It says we are "skillfully wrought."  Psalm 139:14 says we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."  We are intentional, not accidental.  We are formed, not mass-produced. C. S. Lewis said we are not cattle to be herded to the slaughter, we are individuals of value, we are sentient and we are made this way by God.  We are made to think and reason our way through life, yet we often take the shortcut of reaction.  Why?  I think reaction is easier.  It takes far less time and energy to just react to things.  I remember Jesus' conversation with Peter who, in response to Jesus' announcement that he would be delivered to the religious leaders and killed, said "Never Lord! ...  "This shall never happen to you! (Matthew 16:22)"  Jesus responds to Peter's reactive and short-sighted comment saying, "Get behind me Satan!"  Our creation by an intentional God calls us to think, reason and consider as we do life in this world.  Cattle react.  Animals react.  People use intelligence and reason.  We belong to a God who has given these things to us.

Who is God to us?  Psalm 139 says God is both our creator and one who gives watchful care over our lives.  God is both present (verses 1 thru 5) and observant (verses 7 thru 12).  God sees us at our best and worst. What baffles me and humbles me is that God knows all of my mess and still cares!  God's love isn't based on my performance or my righteousness!  God's claim on me doesn't diminish when I fall down and doesn't increase when I shine!  God's watch-care, presence and guidance are persistent and faithful!  We belong to a God who is all of these things to us.

How does God help us to grow?  David, in Psalm 139, does something that is difficult, unpopular but vital to growth.  David invites constructive critique.  Psalm 139:24 says, "See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting."  David acknowledges God's ownership of his life and seeks God's wisdom in life.  In a world filled with seeking our passions, our mission, our purpose, David says something totally different.  "God ... take a look at me and my life and show me how I can conform to your plan (the way everlasting). David seeks God's way ... not his.  We belong to a God who has a plan and a direction, a passion and a purpose.  

We are starting a New Year.  To whom do you belong? We can decide whether this year will be new, or just a reenactment of the old year.  Psalm 139 can be a key to unlock the door of newness.  The Psalm says we are intentionally made by God.  It concludes we are both watched and cared-for by God.  And it calls us to ask for God's honest evaluation and correction.  If you want a 'new' year, it might be good to step back from reaction and step into reflection.  And while you are reflecting, listen to a God who can lead you in the way everlasting. Randy

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