Journal Ps 144-146 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: [The Psalmist declares] “One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty and
on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They (the generation) shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness…” Ps 145:4-7
Observation: There are two aspects of “spreading the Good News”. One is to folks outside the Kingdom. The second, and maybe the most neglected is generational…
Application: I have been caught up with the “evangelical” focus on outsiders: the folks who “need salvation.”
That singular focus hasn’t ever set well with me. Oh, no doubt it is part of the directive of our Lord, but is it all of it?
Being introspective, have I declared the “glorious splendor” of his majesty to the generation before and the generation after? Have I done that consistently? Do my children know daily where I stand? My parents? My extended family?
Do I habitually talk about the Awesome God? Emphasis on HABITUALLY! Not just the big, ceremonial days, but the everyday aspect.
When I step outside, do I wonder at the grace of creation? Do I talk about how his Grace affects our relationships? Do I just mention scripture wisdom in passing?
I know that I have “put on” righteous airs in the past. I know that I have bullied my mind into speaking biblically, forcing my tongue to wag the Word of God.
I had to do that because my mind and my tongue does not want to speak of the Eternal God—there is resistance.
- I am embarrassed.
- I am scared.
- I don’t know if I am saying the “right” things.
- I don’t want to get into an argument or confrontation.
- I don’t want to look hypocritical, etc.
Yet, Psalm 145 is an example of what I am to strive for. It is being intentionally Christian.
Being intentionally Christian is not a function of osmosis. Osmosis definition: the process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc. I can act Christian by being around Christians, being a part of a local church or a “ministry”, etc.
Intentional Christianity is in the category of Maturity, or pursuit of maturity—something that I am supposed to, instructed to, EXPECTED to pursue.
There was this guy a few decades back named Watchman Nee. He wrote a number of books that were gobbled up by my generation. Today, I don’t ascribe to, don’t even remember his doctrinal points. But there was this one thing that grabbed my attention, and it was a title to a book, “The Deeper Christian Life.”
That’s what should be actively longed for, a planned, specific, and detailed list of objectives…not a passive wish list.
Prayer: Father, I cannot get my family situation out of my head; it is swirling around with issues and scripture remembrances. Where have I stumbled? Where have I tripped over my own ego and pride? How do I get back on the road of being worthy of the Gospel?
As I reminded my wife, all of this is no surprise to You, O God. After the example of Job, you knew/know (the tense of Omniscience is weird, Father) our situation and are guiding us through so that our reconciliation is secondary; our being formed into the Image is primary.
Help me add another line to the outline of being intentional, Lord. I want to be like you…
AMEN.
Ricky Two Shoes