Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 01/29/2023

What Does God Want? -  God Still Wanted a Family

Last week, we began a new series, which should take us close to Easter in our messages. The overall theme of this series is to answer the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered was that God wants you along with every person who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a family. God wants co-workers. God wants you to know who you are and why your life has value to him. He loves you and desires that you also love Him.

In last week’s message, I made the point that God equipped people to image

Him on earth. He did that by sharing his attributes (his qualities and abilities) with all humans. Now, both the supernatural beings in the unseen realm (angels) and humans are to be an imager of God. As wonderful as that was (and is), it’s where things get interesting—and scary. One of God’s qualities is freedom—what we often call free will. Because humans have free choice, it resulted in three major rebellions in the first 11 chapters of Genesis. So, if you’ve ever wondered why there’s evil in the world, here’s the Bible’s answer. We have much to cover today, so hold on to your hats.

God knew what it meant when he decided to share his attributes with his children. God knows everything, so he understood clearly what would happen. God had made the same decision earlier with the heavenly family he had created. They have abilities like intelligence and freedom. They got those gifts from their Creator.

Sooner or later, God knew that his gifts would be misused or abused. He knew full well that, /though his children (in the spiritual world and on earth) were like him, they were not him. They were less than him. They were imperfect, whereas He is perfect. So, at some point, one (or more) of his children would either make a horrible mistake or act in thoughtless self-interest, rebelling against something God wanted to be done (or not done).

That’s precisely what happened in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve rebelled. They violated God’s command not to eat from one of the trees in the garden. As a result, they sinned and lost eternal life in God’s presence. Every human born after that was born outside Eden, estranged from God. The apostle Paul summed it up well, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 6:23.

An even earlier rebellion brought on the Eden tragedy. One of God’s supernatural children chose to dishonor God’s decision to have a human family by tempting Eve, hoping God would destroy her and Adam. Listen as I read Genesis 3:1-7.

The serpent came to Eve as a beautiful and wise angelic creature. The Hebrew word is Na-has –translated as the serpent in English, but one meaning is “one to seek and give omens and wisdom.” The Bible refers to the serpent as Satan and the Devil elsewhere. The word Satan, or “The Satan,” is a title or a role that means the accuser (think prosecutor in a criminal trial). This is the role The Satan played in the Book of Job. By the 2nd temple timeframe, before God comes to earth as the incarnate Christ, most writings interchange the word Satan, Devil, or the evil one as the same entity. Regardless, He succeeded in getting Eve to sin but failed to eliminate humanity permanently. As for the evil one, this was ‘strike one’ in his eventual downfall.

There are some profound truths here, the first of which answers a question everyone asks at some point in life: Why is evil in the world? Evil exists in the world because God decided he wanted to create beings like himself. Of course, I don’t mean that God has an evil side. Instead, God rejected the idea of creating humans as robots or pre-programmed computers made of flesh.

That last point is essential. Our likeness to God had to be authentic. Without the genuine freedom to make objective decisions, we would not be like God. God is no robot, and we were made to be like him, to be an imager of Him. Without genuine free will, we cannot authentically love God or obey God. If decisions are pre-programmed, they aren’t decisions. For decisions like love and obedience to be authentic, they must be made against a truly possible alternative. The result is that evil exists because people abuse God’s wonderful gift of freedom and use it for self-gratification, revenge, and the mirage of autonomy. This abuse for humans began in Eden.

But God was not taken by surprise. He had anticipated evil. He foresaw what would happen and planned accordingly. God did not destroy his human children for their rebellion. Instead, he would forgive and create a means to redeem them. The Bible makes it clear that God saw what was coming and had a plan of forgiveness and salvation in place before the rebellion even happened. Ephesians 1:4 says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”

The plan of salvation would ultimately require God to become a man. We’ll get to that part of the story in two weeks. But long before that pivotal event, there was a price to pay for what happened in Eden. God banished Adam and Eve (and, therefore, their descendants) from his presence. Eden was no more. Instead of eternal life with God, their father, humanity would now look forward to death. Romans 5:12 says, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” That’s what separation from the source of life— God—ultimately costs.

In effect, God kicked his children out of his house. But that was a better outcome than the evil one had hoped for—human destruction. God wasn’t giving up on his plan to have a human family, but rebellion had a cost. God also punished Satan. Having brought death into God’s world, he became lord of the realm of the dead, which would later be known as hell.

You might wonder at this point why God didn’t just scrap the whole plan for having a human family. After all, God allowed free will, knowing it would lead to sin and thousands of years of human misery in the form of violence, neglect, selfishness, and a host of other awful things humans are capable of inflicting on one another. Perhaps your suffering, or the suffering you see all around you, might even make you wish God had just destroyed everything.

Believe it or not, God understands that feeling. He sees the evils you see and infinitely more. None of it is the way God wanted things. But, you say, he’s God —can’t he just overrule all of it? It’s not that simple. Think about it. God can only eliminate evil in our world if he eliminates all who do evil. In other words, God can only end evil if he wipes out all of us. Everyone sins (Rom 3:10-12), and, like the Bible says, “we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” So sure, God could do that. But he doesn’t. He loves His human too much for that to be an option.

All this boils down to an amazing truth: While God knew what making us like Him would lead to, the result was preferable to not having a human family at all. God sees the sin and misery in our world and knows its cause. It hurts him. God is so consumed with love for his human children that he will not turn away from his original ambition. There’s no plan B. There is only Plan A. Despite foreseeing the rebellion that would come in Eden and all the failures and sins that would follow—including our own—God still longs for a human family.

What happened in Eden was only the beginning of the story. God had kicked Adam and Eve out of his house (Gen 3:22-24). He cursed the serpent (Gen 3:14-15) and cast him away from his presence (Isa 14:12-15; Ezek 28:16). The message was forceful and simple: rebellion would be punished. You’d think everyone would get the message. Not so. Things got even worse.

You may have heard somewhere along the way that the Bible teaches the world has so much evil in it because of humanity’s fall into sin in the Garden of Eden. But, unfortunately, that’s only partially true. After the tragedy of Eden, two more episodes plunged humanity further into the depths of depravity and chaos.

The first of these is described in Genesis 6:1-4, arguably one of the strangest incidents in the Bible. We should not shy away from the problematic passages in God’s Word but make sure we consider the whole counsel of God. Let me read this passage.

I have studied this in-depth and taken a couple of seminary courses to tie this passage into other parts of the story we will cover in this series. The story is about how some of God’s supernatural children (the “sons of God” – the same Hebrew words as the passage in Job we looked at last week translated angel) wanted to imitate God by producing their own human children to image themselves. For that purpose, they decided to use human women (some translations call them, the “daughters of humans”). In their minds, this made them rivals to God, their own heavenly father. Rather than be happy with God’s desire to have humans become family members, they decided to be overlords of their own humans. That wasn’t what God had in mind. God wanted a family, not enslaved people.

2 Peter 2:4-5 and Jude 6 tell us the result of the actions of the angels who sinned. Let me read both:

And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great Day of Judgment.

But the deed was done, and it had disastrous consequences. Look at the two verses that follow the Bible’s recounting of this rebellion in Genesis 6:5-6.

Think about that. Every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. God regretted he had made humanity; the thought grieved him.

This is the very definition of depravity and the sorrow it brings. The first supernatural rebellion led to humanity losing everlasting life with God (which is bad enough). This rebellion took the effects of sin to another level, accelerating human self-destruction. God felt deep remorse over the way things had turned out. Humanity had been permanently damaged.

The Bible tells us that God could see no other solution but to send the flood to wipe out humanity (Gen 6:17). It’s essential to notice that the flood story never says God was angry. It only says He was heart-stricken over what was going on. God had decided to give humans freedom. He couldn’t take it away since doing so would mean they would no longer be like him—they’d no longer be genuinely human. The only choice was to start over and put an end to what the rebellious sons of God had caused. God still wanted a human family. Genesis 6:9 says, “Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” At least there was one. God would take it. He would move ahead with his plan to have a human family.

God told Noah to build an ark (a large ship) so that he, his family, and multitudes of animals would survive. But God still held out hope that, as deep as human depravity had become, his human children could be with him. So, mercifully, he gave Noah 120 years to prepare for the flood (Gen 6:3) and told people what would happen so they could turn from their depravity and be forgiven.

In the end, people wouldn’t listen. They refused God’s gracious warning. Once again, God’s children turned their backs on him, as they were free to do. Is it any wonder God’s heart was so broken? At least there was Noah and his family. After the flood, God repeated the original commands he had given Adam and Eve (“Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth,” Gen 9:1). God was starting over with them. He made a covenant with Noah that extended to all humankind (Gen 9:8-17). A covenant is a promise or pledge, like a legal contract. This covenant was one-sided; it was all about God’s promise to never destroy humanity (Gen 9:11). Amazingly, God still wanted a human family.

It's not as amazing, but it's still pretty incredible. The abuse of God’s goodness would continue. A third rebellion followed the flood. This one would frame the rest of the biblical story, and show, again, God’s unconquerable patience and love.

Like the stories of Adam and Eve and Noah’s flood, you may have heard of the Tower of Babel. If not, that’s okay, because even most church-goers don’t realize what really happened there.

The story of the Tower of Babel is found in Gen 11:1-9. After the flood, God wanted Noah’s descendants to multiply and spread out over the earth. Like Adam and Eve, they were to be God’s co-workers to maintain creation. But, instead of doing that, they gathered at a place called Babel and built a tower to their own glory (Gen 11:1-4).

That’s the familiar version of the story, but its real significance is found in two unfamiliar verses in another biblical book.

when he divided up the human race,

he established the boundaries of the peoples

according to the number in his heavenly court.

Jacob is his special possession.

These two verses tell us that one of the judgments at the Tower of Babel was the division of humankind. Until this point in the story, God dealt with humanity as a collective whole. That changed at Babel. Human beings would be segregated by language and geography.

Even worse, God divorced himself from humanity. Fed up with human defiance of his will, God assigned the nations of the earth to other members of his supernatural family—the sons of God. This was a different group than those who transgressed before the flood. God couldn’t kick humanity out of his house. He had done that already back in Eden. He had promised not to destroy humanity after the flood (Genesis 9:11) so that disaster would not be repeated. So what else could he do? He essentially said, “Enough! If you don’t want me to be your God, I’ll assign you to some of my heavenly assistants.”

The fallout of this judgment took many forms. We aren’t told how long it took, but the Bible tells us that the supernatural sons of God assigned over the nations did a lousy job. They became so corrupt that God had to judge them, too. He would one day take away their immortality and take back the nations. (Pentecost) Let me read Psalm 82.

he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: (among the “gods”)

 (God) “How long will you hand down unjust decisions

by favoring the wicked?

uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.

 Rescue the poor and helpless;

deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

 But...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2198 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m thrilled to continue our exploration of the profound wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 8:12-21, as translated in the New Living Translation. So, put on your hiking boots, and together, we’ll uncover the riches of wisdom in these verses.

In Proverbs 8:12-21, we delve deeper into the attributes and benefits of wisdom. These verses offer us a glimpse into the unparalleled richness that wisdom brings to our lives.

Verse 12-13: “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.”

These verses introduce wisdom as a companion of sound judgment. Wisdom has a deep understanding of where knowledge and discernment can be found. Her alignment with those who fear the Lord underscores her commitment to righteousness. She detests pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech, highlighting her opposition to all forms of evil.

Verse 14-16: “Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.”

These verses illustrate the practical benefits of wisdom. Wisdom brings common sense, success, insight, and strength. Kings and rulers are guided by wisdom to make just decrees and righteous judgments. Here, we see how wisdom not only benefits individuals but also has a positive impact on society’s leadership.

Verse 17-18: “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.”

Wisdom’s love is extended to all who seek her. She is not elusive but can be found by those who earnestly search for her. The rewards of wisdom are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and justice. These are the treasures she bestows upon those who embrace her.

Verse 19-21: “My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.”

Wisdom’s gifts are described as surpassing the value of gold and sterling silver. She walks in righteousness and leads us on paths of justice. Those who love her inherit wealth, and their treasuries are filled. These verses emphasize the incomparable value and abundant rewards of embracing wisdom.

As we reflect on Proverbs 8:12-21, we are reminded that wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge; it’s a source of practical benefits and guidance for righteous living.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you actively seek and embrace wisdom in your life? What practical benefits have you experienced through the application of wisdom’s principles? Remember, wisdom is a treasure trove of riches waiting to enrich our lives.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 8:12-21:

The Attributes of Wisdom: Wisdom is characterized by sound judgment, knowledge, discernment, and a hatred of evil.

Practical Benefits: Wisdom brings common sense, success, insight, and strength, benefiting individuals and society.

Incomparable Riches: The rewards of wisdom surpass material wealth, offering riches, honor, enduring wealth, and justice.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we walk with discernment and embrace the riches that wisdom offers. I hope these verses have inspired you to seek and embrace the riches of wisdom in your life. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and purpose.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope this cautionary tale has inspired you to exercise discernment and wisdom when faced with temptation. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we navigate life’s challenges with strength and resolve.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2197 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m genuinely delighted to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, uncovering its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 8:1-11 from the New Living Translation. So, lace up your hiking boots, and together, we’ll explore the melodious voice of wisdom in these verses.

In Proverbs 8:1-11, we encounter a beautiful depiction of wisdom as a wise and inviting presence, calling out to humanity. These verses vividly depict the importance of listening to the voice of wisdom.

Verse 1-3: “Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud.”

These verses personify wisdom, portraying her as a lady standing prominently at the crossroads and gates, crying out for attention. It’s as if wisdom is eager to share her insights and guide those willing to listen. Her location at the crossroads and town entrance underscores the relevance of her counsel in our daily lives.

Verse 4-5: “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.”

Wisdom’s call is universal; she beckons to all, regardless of their background or station in life. Her message is clear: use good judgment and seek understanding. Whether we consider ourselves wise or foolish, wisdom always has room for growth.

Verse 6-7: “Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception.”

Wisdom’s words are not empty; they are filled with valuable insights. She is a source of truth and righteousness and abhors deceit in all its forms. Her counsel is trustworthy, making her a reliable guide on our journey through life.

Verse 8-11: “My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.”

Here, the writer emphasizes the purity and value of wisdom’s advice. It is wholesome, clear, and straightforward. Wisdom’s worth is greater than precious metals like silver and gold, and even more valuable than the rarest of gemstones. The message is clear: prioritize wisdom above all else, for nothing is more desirable.

Reflecting on Proverbs 8:1-11, we must recognize that wisdom is not passive; she actively calls out to us, offering guidance and understanding.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How attentive are you to the voice of wisdom in your life? What steps can you take to listen more closely and apply wisdom’s counsel? Wisdom is a willing companion on our journey, waiting to enrich our lives.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 8:1-11:

The Voice of Wisdom: Wisdom is not a distant concept but a living presence that actively calls out to us, offering guidance and understanding.

Universal Appeal: Wisdom’s message is for everyone, regardless of their background or station in life.

Incomparable Value: The value of wisdom surpasses all worldly treasures; it is more desirable than silver, gold, or precious gems.

Remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we walk with discernment and prioritize the voice of wisdom in our lives.

I hope these verses have inspired you to heed the voice of wisdom and prioritize her counsel above all else. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and purpose.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope this cautionary tale has inspired you to exercise discernment and wisdom when faced with temptation. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we navigate life’s challenges with strength and resolve.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 01/22/2023

What Does God Want? -  God Wanted a Family

Today, we will begin a new, much shorter series that, over the next 8-9 weeks, will answer the question, “What does God want?” Throughout this series, I will cover the entire Bible in a story overview so we can understand more clearly what God’s story is about. The last couple of messages in this series will be about the Gospel and Discipleship. Much of the information will be familiar, but from a slightly different perspective from your concept of an overview of God’s Word. As such, we will look at various Scriptures as crucial touchpoints throughout the story.

It sounds like a simple question, but it’s really not if you give it some thought.

Why? Well, for starters, you must know who’s asking the question. People will ask this question for a lot of various reasons. Is it a cry of anger from someone in pain? Perhaps it’s a barely audible whisper that surfaces from deep sadness. Is the motivation curiosity? Or is it just prompted by the desire to reflect and think deep thoughts? It’s not difficult to see that giving the correct answer depends on why the question is being asked.

Since, at this moment, I’m the one asking the question; it’s easy to clear that up, at least from my perspective. But first, let me tell you what isn’t motivating me. I’m not asking the question because I don’t know the answer./ I do./ From the overarching aspect of this series,/ I know the answer for everyone,/ at least in God’s response concerning us. And that’s precisely how I’m asking it. I’m asking it to help you think about some essential things. When I ask, “What does God want?” I’m asking, “What does God want when it comes to every person in the human race? What does he want regarding me, my life, and your life?”

Before I get to the answer, it’s pretty evident that the question is from a religious perspective. Questions about God naturally get filed in that folder. I’ve raised the question and will answer it because I’m interested in God. Many people still are, though they may not be interested in church. That’s fine, since you don’t need the latter to be interested in this question. I am speaking not necessarily from a pastor’s perspective but from a lifetime of Bible studies. So, since I’m the one asking, my answer, as close as possible, should be Biblical. That narrows the focus a bit more. My goal will be to explain how the Bible would answer the question, “What does God want?”  Now for the answer. It’s simple. God wants you.

That might surprise you. You may doubt it. That’s okay. But it’s the correct answer for this series. Unfortunately, though, it isn’t enough of an answer. You can’t get a sense of how amazing and profound the answer is by just that one sentence. You need some context to appreciate how much love is behind it. There’s actually a long, remarkable story behind the answer.

Since that’s the case, this series is about what God wants and what God wants you to know. Yes, he wants you, but for you to appreciate that and (hopefully) feel the same way about God, you need a little context.

That, of course, is the purpose of this series. We’ll start with God’s story. There’s a lot of tragedy in it, but thankfully, none of that ever changed God’s mind about you or me. As we complete this series story, we will drill down on some parts of the story that are especially important: the Good News and Discipleship.

Before we jump in, I have one disclaimer. You might think you already know the story if you’ve spent much of your life in the church. You certainly know parts of it, but I can guarantee there will be some surprises. Unfortunately, the thing that most often gets in the way of the wonder of the story is religion. Sometimes, church and denominational preferences become more important than the story. That was true of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day and is still true today.

Even though most, if not all of you, are familiar with the Bible, I’m confident you will encounter new truths and new ways to think about old truths. And if you’ve never read much of the Bible, we will certainly all grow in our knowledge of God’s overriding plan for each of us. We will all experience the thrill of discovering what God wants.

Think back to your earliest thoughts about who God is and what He wants. Was it that God was an invisible dad in the sky? Was God a creator, a distant power? Did you presume he knew about you and everyone else but had no idea what He was thinking or if He was thinking/ about you or the other people in the world? Did you ever doubt He was there not like a real presence in the room, but, instead, God was more or less a detached observer whose attention you might get from time to time (maybe when you were in trouble)? Did you think of God as out to get you, mind you, or that he didn’t like you? For my part, I grew up as a very trusting person in a loving home environment. So, trusting God was real came reasonably easy for me, and I had no reason to think he was overly hostile. But that was it. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind.

I had a lot to learn about God. Unfortunately, it was much later in life, and through studying God’s Word seriously, I gained a deeper understanding of God’s overall plan for humanity. Since I wasn’t seeking him, I assumed he wasn’t necessarily seeking me. If someone had asked me, I think I would have said God had better things to do. I would have presumed that I wasn’t doing anything (good or bad) that deserved much attention. I was wrong. God was seeking me. I just didn’t know it. I know now that God sought me because it’s his nature to seek us. He’s committed to us.

How do we know these things about God? (That’s a question I’ll ask more than once throughout this series, so look for it!) Let’s start with ourselves as an analogy. It’s normal—part of our nature—to care about the things we make, especially if they require serious effort or result from concerted thought. We will naturally be angry or resentful when someone mocks, belittles, destroys, or claims as if something we made, achieved, or thought of first. Not feeling those things would be abnormal.

We feel this way because of who we are by default. We’re self-aware. All of us have an inner life, the life of the mind. We use our intelligence for what we want and what will please us, not what will bring us pain and loss. We act intentionally, not randomly or without purpose. Our rationality and intuition guide us.

Illustrations of why all this is on target are numerous. Even the things we think have the most negligible significance are done intentionally, guided by some point of reason. We brush our teeth because we don’t want cavities or bad breath. We exercise and eat right to stay healthy. We get up early to keep our job (or, even better, because we have something fun to do). When driving, we turn left instead of right because we have a place to go. On those occasions when we might do something that could be called irrational (like flaming someone on social media who may never see it or care), it’s still because we want some desired outcome (to feel superior or “teach them a lesson”). And even when we do something unpleasant, it’s with the thought that it will somehow be good for us. Why else go on a diet? We are, by nature, purposeful, not purposeless, beings. Again, the opposite of these things would signal a psychological or emotional anomaly.

The God of the Bible shares this profile. God does what he does to enjoy what he’s done. God didn’t create humanity because He lacked something. He wasn’t lonely, as though he was incomplete or needed company. God needs nothing because…well…he’s God. He created things to enjoy the work of his own hands. After each day of creation, God acknowledged that it was good. After the sixth day, He acknowledged that it was very good. And the things he cares about most are those he made to be like him, “as His imagers,” as the Bible says in Genesis 1:26-28.

In the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

Who is the subject of this creation? That would be you and me. This passage is where our story begins.

Our story—the story of why God wants us—begins with the biblical idea that God is our Maker. Although we can’t completely comprehend that, the bottom line is that we’re here because God wanted us here. God doesn’t act randomly. He acts with purpose. When God created humankind, he wasn’t trying to fill some deficiency in himself. Given that he didn’t need us but still made us, there’s only one rational explanation for why he created us. God wanted us to exist to enjoy us and to have us enjoy him in return.

Because God created us, the Bible refers to him as our “Father” and people from Adam onward as his children. That’s why the Bible uses the language of family to describe God and his relationship with us. That’s no coincidence.

But I’m getting a little ahead of myself. To understand the context of the family-centered language in the Bible, we need to go back to the time before God made the earth and the human race. It may surprise you, but God wasn’t alone then, either. That’s another reason we can be sure he didn’t create us to heal his loneliness.

The Bible tells us that before God created us, he had already created other intelligent beings. The Bible calls them “sons of God.” We call them “angels” or “angelic beings.” The Old Testament book of Job tells us that the sons of God “shouted for joy” when God laid the earth’s foundations. Let us listen in on a conversation that God had with Job 38:4-7.

Tell me, if you know so much.

Who determined its dimensions

and stretched out the surveying line?

What supports its foundations,

and who laid its cornerstone

 as the morning stars sang together

and all the angels shouted for joy?

The morning stars and angelic beings were already present and watching when God created humankind.

Think about the phrase “sons of God.” The same Hebrew term translated “sons” can also be translated more inclusively as “children.” What does a phrase like “children of God” imply? A family.

“Children” is a term used when a family is the subject of conversation. In the case of Job 38:4-7, the family is a heavenly or supernatural one. God is Father to the intelligent beings he creates in the unseen realm.

The fact that God already had a supernatural family helps us understand his motivation for the creation of Adam and Eve, the first humans in the Genesis story. God wanted a human family in addition to his supernatural family. Incredibly, the story of Eden tells us God wanted his two families to live together in his presence. This means that, just like the angels, humans were originally created fit for the presence of God himself. But how do we know all that? Let’s take a look.

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, begins with creation. God had done much creating by the time the story got to people (Adam and Eve). The Imaging God also gives us purpose. We have a mission. Every person, no matter how small or weak or short-lived, has some role to play in someone else’s life. Every task we set our mind to that honors God, and our fellow imagers, becomes a spiritual calling. In God’s mind, the role of a pastor, minister, or priest is not superior to any other calling. How we live either blesses fellow imagers, reminding them of what life and harmony with God must surely be like, or curses them. What we do matters—and most of the time, in small, unspectacular ways.

All of this is why I answered my opening question the way I did. What does God want? God wants you. God wants a family. God wants co-workers. God wants you to know who you are and why your life has value to him.

But we’re just getting started. There’s a lot more to the story. Life in our world—and perhaps even in our own home—doesn’t always conform to God’s vision. Something happened to ruin it all. The heartache would be so great that God almost decided to give up on humanity.

I understand that today’s message was also a little shorter, but we are at a good breaking point as next week, we will expand on the answer of “What does God want?” We know he wants you, and he wants an earthly family, even in the face of tragedy. So next, we will expand that thought to cover “God Still Wants a Family.”  Please read Genesis 3:1-7 in preparation for next week.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to treasure and internalize wisdom in your life. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and purpose.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2195 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m delighted to continue our journey through the timeless wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 7:6-27 from the New Living Translation. So, as always, let’s put on our hiking boots and embark on this enlightening journey together.

In Proverbs 7:6-27, we encounter a vivid and cautionary tale about the seduction of folly and the devastating consequences of yielding to temptation. These verses serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of wisdom in guarding our hearts and minds.

Verse 6-7: “While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.”

The passage begins with the writer recounting a personal observation. He describes looking out his window and noticing a group of young men, one of whom stands out for his lack of wisdom. This sets the stage for a cautionary tale about the consequences of foolishness.

Verse 8-9: “He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell.”

The narrative continues as the young man in question is seen near the house of an immoral woman. The setting is significant, occurring in the twilight hours when darkness begins to envelop the world. This time of day symbolizes moral ambiguity and the potential for making unwise choices.

Verse 10-12: “The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay home. She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.”

The seductive nature of folly is revealed as the immoral woman approaches the young man. She is described as seductively dressed, sly of heart, and rebellious. Her presence in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner, symbolizes the relentless allure of temptation and the ever-present opportunities to make unwise choices.

Verse 13-20: “She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, ‘I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.”

These verses vividly portray the seductive tactics used by folly. The woman throws her arms around the young man, kisses him, and entices him with promises of pleasure and intimacy. She claims to have fulfilled her vows and prepared her bed with luxurious linens and perfumes. Her persuasive words and gestures are meant to lure the young man into a web of temptation and compromise.

Verse 21-23: “So, come on, let’s enjoy ourselves with love! Let’s go for it, for this man is not at home. He’s away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month.”

Verse 24-27: “She seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.”

The narrative takes a grim turn as the consequences of the young man’s actions become evident. He is lured into the trap of temptation, following the woman mindlessly. The imagery of an ox to the slaughter, a stag caught in a trap, and a bird flying into a snare paints a haunting picture of the dire consequences of yielding to temptation.

This cautionary tale from Proverbs 7:6-27 reminds us of the importance of discernment and wisdom in the face of temptation. It serves as a sobering reminder that yielding to temptation can have devastating consequences.

Take a moment to reflect on this narrative. How have you experienced or observed the allure of temptation in your own life or the lives of others? What steps can you take to strengthen your resolve and exercise discernment when faced with temptation? Remember, wisdom is not just about knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge to make choices that lead to a life of integrity and purpose.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 7:6-27:

Discernment is Vital: The narrative illustrates the importance of discernment and wisdom in the face of temptation. Naivety and lack of wisdom can lead us into perilous situations.

Escalation of Temptation: The story shows how temptation can escalate, drawing us further into its grip, often with enticing promises.

Consequences of Yielding: The dire consequences of yielding to temptation are starkly portrayed, serving as a powerful warning.

The Seduction of Folly: Folly can be alluring and seductive, leading us down destructive paths if we yield to its temptations.

The Importance of Wisdom: Wisdom serves as a shield against the allure of folly, guiding us toward choices that lead to life and fulfillment.

Guarding Our Hearts: We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against the relentless temptations of the world.

As we conclude this episode, let’s remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of integrity and fulfillment. In the face of temptation, may we exercise discernment and choose the path that aligns with our Biblical values and principles.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope this cautionary tale has inspired you to exercise discernment and wisdom when faced with temptation. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we navigate life’s challenges with strength and resolve.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 01/15/2023

The Gospel of John – Part 5: Vindication Of The Word – Many Other Signs…Many Other Things

Last week, in our series of messages of the Good News according to John the Apostle, we looked at “Our Weakness…His Strength.” We ended with a focus on “Coming to Terms with Your Calling,” and concluded that we must fully understand that all work is kingdom work. There is no difference between secular and sacred work. All work is holy when we are Christ’s followers. After a year of studying the book of John, we have arrived at our last message. It will be a relatively short message, but the final two verses stand independently. Our scripture for today is John 21:24-25.

Before our daughter Janet and her husband Rowan were married, they requested that the two fathers perform the marriage ceremony. I went through the process of certification to perform marriages in all states. I share this privilege with ship captains, judges, and justices of the peace. I am authorized to join two people in a state of marriage—a holy union and a legal partnership. Before the big day, the couple must go to the courthouse and obtain a marriage license. Then, after the ceremony, I place my signature at the bottom of the license as a testimony to the court—and, therefore, all who are concerned—that two individuals have been united.

Furthermore, two additional witnesses signed the document, testifying that I conducted the service and affirming that the officiator’s signature was mine. It was also customary in Rome, and throughout the empire, to have all legal documents signed and sworn, testifying to their authenticity. So, as John blotted the ink on his original scroll and prepared to roll it up for distribution to the churches, he added his sworn statement, testifying to the truth of all he had written under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. And he was joined by others, who witnessed his signature.

John’s seal of authenticity affirmed three essential facts:

First, every record in this scroll is an eyewitness account; not only as one of the Twelve/ but also as one of Jesus’ closest friends. (Five times in his narrative, John refers to himself as ‘the disciple Jesus loved) “This is the disciple” refers to the individual present with Peter and Jesus on the shore (21:20–23), the same disciple rumored to be alive at the Lord’s return.

Second, every word contained in this scroll was written by this same eyewitness. John likely prepared this statement in the first person plural, “We know that his testimony is true,” which included the elders present with him as he completed the manuscript. Tradition holds John wrote his Gospel in Ephesus near the end of his life, after being exiled to the isle of Patmos. Ephesus was the home of the most influential church in Asia Minor, which was a renowned stronghold of doctrinal purity.

Third, every word contained in this scroll is truth. John witnessed the events and recalled them accurately and wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who guided his editorial choices and prevented him from error.

John closed his narrative with an editorial caveat, perhaps to counter the inevitable criticism all biographers face: “How could you leave out such an important thing as…?” And, let’s face it, when your subject is the Son of God, critics would be standing in line for years to come!

John affirmed that he was selective about which events to include. He was not only selective but strategic. John did not intend to provide an exhaustive (or exhausting) account, but to make a case for belief (20:31). But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Besides, including everything would not have been feasible. Our knowledge of Christ will never be exhaustive, because He is God, and God is infinite.

Rather than try to describe every detail of Christ’s earthly ministry, John paints a compelling portrait of Christ’s life. Like many other things in this realm of existence, his narrative is limited. Everything here is less than the very least in the life to come. Therefore, John was content to write only what was necessary to bring readers to believe in Christ. He was thrilled to have them learn about the Son of God firsthand if that were accomplished.

So, if exhaustive knowledge of the God-man, Jesus, is what you want, then belief will give you an eternity to know Him as deeply and as thoroughly as you desire (Rev. 22:3–5). No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

John’s Gospel is, in a sense, unfinished. John wrote down every word the Holy Spirit directed him to express, yet the story remains incomplete. That’s because it is yours to write.

John concludes his account of Christ’s earthly ministry with a story of how he and his friend Simon Peter were impacted. The Lord’s story set their life stories in motion. Peter would be martyred. John would live so long, that people wondered if he would ever die. Both had destinies to fulfill as a result of their time with Christ. Jesus urged both men “You keep on following Me.”

And so it is with you—Jesus encourages you to follow Him. So, I have a few questions for you. Please consider each carefully.

What will you do with what you have seen in the pages of John’s Gospel? The most essential requirement and risk in all the world is to be exposed to biblical truth. We who live in the light have no business trafficking in the dark. We have learned truths about abiding, washing feet, resting, and being holy and dedicated even unto death. How will your life change now that these divine truths are bouncing around in your consciousness?

What is your part in God’s redemptive plan for the world? God had plans for John and Peter, not merely because they were part of “the Twelve” but because they were Christ’s followers, called out of their old lives, given new life, and commissioned to build His kingdom. The same is true of you if you have, indeed, believed. Ask Him to guide you if you haven’t discovered your calling or purpose. God never hides His will; ask Him to reveal your role in His plan.

How much hardship are you willing to bear for the sake of Christ? Earlier, Jesus warned that to be in His kingdom is to become the enemy of “the world,” which will hate and persecute you (John 15:18–21). Peter would be martyred. John would be exiled and minister alone, long after his friends had died. Life may not get more manageable if you are meaningfully engaged in Jesus’ agenda. To what will you devote yourself? The exciting part is that as citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to assist Him in building His kingdom. The Lord’s story promises to launch your life story—if you will let Him.

 

So, after a year of absorbing the Good News, according to John the Apostle. Next week, we will begin a shorter series related to my comment about how God’s story is integrated with ours. The series is an 8-9 week overview of the Bible titled, “What does God want?” Although this series won’t have a fixed passage of Scripture, please read Job 38:4-7 & Genesis 1:27-28 in preparation for next week.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to treasure and internalize wisdom in your life. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and purpose.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2193 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m thrilled to continue our exploration of the timeless wisdom found in the book of Proverbs 7:1-5 from the New Living Translation. So, let’s put on our hiking boots and embark on this enlightening journey together.

Proverbs 7:1-5 contains a powerful message about the treasure of wisdom and its role in safeguarding our lives. These verses remind us of the immense value of acquiring and applying wisdom to our daily walk.

Verse 1-2: “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye.”

These opening verses are an earnest plea from a wise father to his son. The writer emphasizes the importance of cherishing and internalizing wisdom. To “treasure up my commandments” is like storing away precious gems. It’s a call to make wisdom a part of who we are, to guard it as closely as we protect the apple of our eye.

Verse 3-4: “Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend.”

These verses encourage us to take wisdom beyond mere knowledge. Binding wisdom on our fingers and writing it on the tablet of our hearts signifies a constant, conscious connection with wisdom. The comparison of wisdom to a sister and insight to an intimate friend highlights the importance of nurturing a deep and personal relationship with wisdom.

Verse 5: “To keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.”

The practical application of this wisdom is straightforward – it serves to protect us from temptation and destructive paths. By treasuring and internalizing wisdom, we guard ourselves against the seductive words and enticements of the world. Wisdom is our shield and guide, helping us make choices that lead to life and fulfillment.

As we reflect on Proverbs 7:1-5, we must recognize that wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge; it’s a living presence that shapes our actions and decisions.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you actively treasure and internalize wisdom in your life? In what ways can you nurture a deeper relationship with wisdom? Remember, wisdom is not a distant concept; it’s a treasure within your reach, waiting to guide you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 7:1-5:

Treasure Wisdom: Wisdom is a treasure that should be cherished and internalized, guiding us in our daily walk.

Guard It Closely: Just as we protect the apple of our eye, we must guard and protect wisdom as a valuable possession.

Practical Protection: Wisdom is not theoretical; it safeguards us from temptation and destructive paths in our lives.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we walk with discernment and make choices that honor our guiding principles.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to treasure and internalize wisdom in your life. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and purpose.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2192 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m honored to continue our journey through the timeless wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 6:30-35, as translated in the New Living Translation. So, let’s put on our hiking boots, and together, we’ll navigate the profound insights of these verses.

In this passage, we’ll uncover the consequences of theft and adultery, and how they impact our lives and relationships. Proverbs 6:30-35 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity and the far-reaching effects of our actions.

Verse 30-31: “Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.”

These verses touch upon a nuanced aspect of theft. While the writer acknowledges that desperation might lead some to steal out of necessity, such actions still have consequences. The punishment for theft is significant – paying back seven times the stolen amount. This underscores the importance of respecting the property and rights of others, even in times of need.

Verse 32-35: “But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. He will be wounded and disgraced. His shame will never be erased. For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation, nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size.”

These verses offer a stark contrast by highlighting the grave consequences of adultery. The writer doesn’t mince words, describing the adulterer as an “utter fool” who brings destruction upon himself. The intensity of the repercussions, from physical harm to enduring disgrace, serves as a cautionary tale about the catastrophic impact of infidelity. It also underscores the importance of honoring commitments and respecting the boundaries of others.

As we reflect on Proverbs 6:30-35, we must recognize that our actions have far-reaching consequences for us and those around us.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How do these verses resonate with your own experiences or observations? How can you apply this wisdom to your own life and relationships? Remember, wisdom isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge to live a life of integrity and purpose.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 6:30-35:

Respect Boundaries: Whether in times of need or desire, respect the boundaries and property of others. Theft, even in desperation, carries consequences.

Avoid Adultery: Understand the gravity of adultery and the destruction it can bring, not only to yourself but to others involved. Honor commitments and maintain integrity in relationships.

Consequences Are Real: Recognize that actions have consequences, and some mistakes cannot be undone, no matter the price offered in compensation.

In closing, it’s essential to remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of integrity, purpose, and fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we walk with discernment and make choices that honor our guiding principles.

Thank you for joining me on this Wisdom-Trek today. If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Remember, as we seek wisdom, we are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and make choices that lead to a fulfilling and righteous life. Until next time, may your trek be filled with the wisdom and guidance of the Almighty. as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 01/08/2023

The Gospel of John – Part 5: Vindication of the Word – Our Weakness…His Strength

Last, we continued in our series of messages of the Good News according to John the Apostle, and we looked at the Reactions to the Resurrected Lord. The question we finished with is what is my reaction to the resurrected Lord? Now that the disciples are convinced that Jesus rose from the dead, today we see the struggle they faced with this new reality, which is quite different from their Messiah establishing His kingdom immediately on earth. Our scripture for today is John 21:1-23.

When Peter first met Jesus and then responded to His call to follow, he probably thought he was doing the Messiah a big favor. The new King of Israel would need a man like him—a bold, brave, take-charge leader of men. He was strong, decisive, a hard worker, quick with a blade, and even quicker to decide what should be done/ and how to do it./ Peter was the kind of man who got things done by sheer force of will.

After he failed in the courtyard during Jesus’ trials, Peter wasn’t so high on himself. He undoubtedly winced every time he recalled his impulsive commitment in the upper room: “‘But why can’t I come now, Lord?’” he asked. “‘I’m ready to die for you.’” (John 13:37). Indeed, when surrounded by six hundred men, he was ready to take them on with a blade only slightly longer than a dagger. But he feared for his life in the courtyard and lied like a coward.

Failure is difficult enough to overcome, but moral failure in ministry is a killer. After a hideous moral blunder, one might ask, “What good can I do now?”  The answer to that question may be surprising.

John establishes the setting of this event as Galilee, sometime after Jesus’ confrontation with Thomas in or near Jerusalem. Capernaum is where they previously had their fishing business. We cannot know how long after the resurrection occurred, but it was not likely more than a month (40 days) (Acts 1:3). Five of the Twelve are named, while another two disciples are left anonymous, perhaps because they were not of the Twelve. Regardless, Peter and the “sons of Zebedee” (James and John) shared much history with this region. This was where Jesus had extended His call for the men to follow, promising to transform them into “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).

For at least three years, these men followed their Messiah, learning from Him and fully expecting Him to reign as King of the Jews. Then suddenly, in a matter of hours, everything changed. He was arrested, tried, judged, crucified, and laid in a tomb. When the followers of Jesus buried their Messiah, they buried their fondest expectations with Him. And when He emerged from the tomb, their dreams were left behind with His grave clothes. This long, quiet period undoubtedly became an eerie state of limbo for them. The Messiah died, but was no longer dead. Jesus communed with them on a remarkably intimate level at times, but before the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were without daily leadership. The coming kingdom was not to be what they had all hoped, so it remained a shapeless, unfixed future for them.

Human nature cannot abide limbo for very long. So, when we cannot move forward, we cannot help but return to the familiar—even a past we were happy to leave. But, as the old adage goes, “You can never go home again.” So, even if home has not changed—and it always does—you have changed.

“I’m going fishing” was not merely a plan to pass the unbearable meantime. Peter, ever the man of action, saw no future for himself in service to Christ, so he returned to his successful, pre-Christ vocation. But, unfortunately, Peter’s efforts to catch fish fared no better than his prospects of catching men (Luke 5:10).

One of the qualities about the Lord I love the most is His grace—not just in the theological sense. I mean His charming manner of accepting and loving His own. Peter and his friends returned to the familiar, so the Lord met them there. He even used their overdependence on the past to their mutual advantage.

The Lord’s question rendered in Greek, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” anticipates a negative response, not unlike saying, “So, you haven’t caught anything, right?” Moreover, He called them paidia, the plural form of the word for a small child. According to one lexicon, “it may also denote ‘servant’ (social position). Figuratively, it carries the sense of undeveloped understanding but is also used in affectionate address.”

The disciples had been in this situation before. These men had spent a wasted night on the sea when Jesus instructed them to recast their nets. When their obedience netted them a record catch, He promised them similar success in ministry (Luke 5:5–11). After so much had happened, their resurrected Lord instructed them to recast their nets. Surely, one of the men must have suspected the stranger on the shore was Jesus. Once the top line of the net stretched to the point of breaking, however, there was no question.

Let us not forget the full context of this event. As some have suggested, Jesus did not merely see a large school of fish from one hundred yards out. He’s the Creator. He made fish. And He caused those fish to be where the disciples could pull them into their nets.

The phrase “taken off his outer garment” does not mean Peter was naked, merely that he had removed his outer robe and girded his chiton, or “undergarment,” between his legs and around his waist. Then, in characteristic Peter style, he plunged into the sea and swam to shore, delighted to see his Master again. Meanwhile, the other disciples pulled in a full net of fish.

John includes three important details:

Jesus had prepared a charcoal fire. This is a deliberate literary allusion to Peter’s failure in the courtyard, which occurred over a charcoal fire (see 18:18).

Jesus had fish cooking on the fire. The Lord does not depend upon the efforts of humanity to accomplish His will.

Jesus had loaves of bread waiting. The wilderness in which Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two small fish lay just behind them.

 

In his impulsive exuberance, Peter left the other disciples to haul in a load of fish. Jesus’ invitation for him to add his fish to the fire is significant. While the Lord can do all things without any help from anyone, he invited Peter to contribute the fruit of his efforts. The Lord wants to enjoy the victory we accomplish together, not because He needs us, but because He wants us!

So, Peter returned to the nets with his comrades and processed the extraordinary results of divine help given to human effort.

John clarifies that the men knew they were in the presence of the Lord. And his image of Jesus distributing the bread and fish is no accident—it is a clear allusion to the abundance He created in the wilderness (6:11).

John notes that this is the third time Jesus had “appeared” after His resurrection. The term means “to make visible what was not previously seen.”

As if to take Peter back to the beginning, before he was “the Rock,” Jesus looked across the charcoal fire and addressed the dejected disciple by his original given name: Simon, the son of John. “Simon” is based on the Hebrew name “Simeon,” which in turn is based on the Hebrew verb shama, “to hear, to hearken, to heed.”

The time had come for Jesus to address Peter’s deepest wound. Were it not for the Lord’s perfect compassion; His question might have been considered a cruel taunt. Instead, the added phrase, “more than these,” was an unmistakable reference to Peter’s bold declaration of loyalty in the upper room (13:37; see also Matt. 26:33; Mark 14:29; Luke 22:33).

The Greek language has three words for love. Erōs describes the euphoric, “in-love” feelings of romance; that is, before the honeymoon ends. Philia expresses the warm affection shared by friends, close family members, and even romantic lovers after intimacy has cemented their union. The verb form, phileō, means “to treat somebody as one of one’s own people.” The Greeks highly regarded philia as a deeply emotional connection between people.

A third word, agapē, is rarely found outside Jewish and Christian literature. Unlike short-lived erōs, agapē is not impetuous, but steady and deliberate, a choice. Whereas philia describes affection, agapē speaks of loyalty: “Here is a love that makes distinctions, choosing its objects freely. Hence, it is especially the love of a higher for a lower. It is active, not self-seeking love.” The New Testament writers drew upon this word to express the kind of love Jesus lived and taught./ Agapē loves God first,/ loves neighbor as self,/ and loves enemies and friends alike. While intensely emotive, agapē is not fueled by emotion. This Christlike love places high value on tangible expressions of kindness rather than emotions that accomplish nothing.

 

Jesus asked Simon about his agapē; Simon responded with philia. Scholars and expositors disagree about the significance of the different terms chosen by John to render their conversation from Aramaic. However, I don’t think John’s deliberate choice of Greek terms was irrelevant. On the contrary, I am convinced his word choice reflects the sentiments of each man. Note the pattern of their dialogue:

Simon, son of John, do you love [agapaō] Me more than these? Yes, Lord; You know that I love [phileō] You. Feed my lambs.

Simon, son of John, do you love [agapaō] Me? Yes, Lord; You know that I love [phileō] You. Take care of my sheep.

Simon, son of John, do you love [phileō] Me? Lord, You know all things; You know that I love [phileō] You. Feed my sheep.

The confidence and passion that had earlier fueled Peter’s decisions—both wise and foolish, heroic and cowardly—had been crushed out of him. This impulsive zeal distracted Peter from acknowledging a lifelong problem. As long as there were external foes to fight, challenges to meet, difficulties to overcome, and quandaries to solve, he didn’t have to face that he was, in fact, quite powerless (until Pentecost, when he received God’s power).

Peter’s philia fell short of what either man desired, but he deserved high marks for honesty. Furthermore, it acknowledged the truth of Peter’s love. His affection for Jesus could not be denied, but he was powerless to avoid future failure—and he knew it. Now—with proud self-confidence a thing of the past—Peter was ready to depend upon the Lord to accomplish ministry. God’s Holy Spirit at Pentecost brought the Agape love to Peter.

Just as Jesus gently rescued Thomas from his hopelessness—or perhaps dogged pragmatism—the Lord pulled Peter from his despair. And he invited the humbled disciple to recast his nets for another miraculous catch … only this time, for people’s souls.

I suspect Jesus allowed time for His invitation to sink in. Then, as an expert mentor, He encouraged His disciples. Finally, having dealt with Simon’s past, He revealed Peter’s future. In the past, Simon was a self-confident, willful man who directed his life. He even attempted discipleship on his own terms, with tragic results. Then, he behaved like a coward to distance himself from Christ.

Following this disappointment, while Peter was at his lowest depths of despair and discouragement, Jesus assured him of a Christ-worthy death. His reference to outstretched arms alludes to being laid on a cross. The verb translated “dress” literally means “to fasten.” This is a clever pun, obviously referring to being fastened to a cross with nails or rope. In the past, Simon decided what to wear and where to go; in the future, Peter would submit to the leading of his Master, and he would “wear” a cross to his honorable death. Jesus punctuated His encouragement with “Follow Me!”—a command reminiscent of Simon’s original calling (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17; Luke 5:10).

The conversation between Master and servant took place as they strolled along the shore. Peter noticed John following along behind them. Of all the disciples, John behaved the most honorably. While he fled the assault on Gethsemane (Matt. 26:56; Mark 14:50), he soon returned and remained close to Jesus throughout His trials and crucifixion. While Simon kept his distance and denied his discipleship in the courtyard, John stood in the courtroom. While Simon cowered during the crucifixion, John stood at the base of the cross.

Personal failure usually leads to comparisons. We either push others down to feel less inferior or allow shame to bury us at the bottom of the world. Neither response is from God. “Lord, what about him?” Peter was indicating John. Jesus rebuked Peter’s question, saying in effect, “You do what you’re supposed to do; let me manage John.” Then He emphasized His earlier call: “You must follow me.”

John concludes his description of their encounter with a humorous footnote. This particular story circulated as oral history long before he prepared his narrative. Peter undoubtedly told it often as a means of encouraging other down-and-out believers. Moreover, Peter spent much of his later life tackling false teachings concerning Jesus, so he probably relished the irony of having to put down an error involving himself!

Many took Jesus’ correction of Peter to mean that He planned to return before John died. Believers during John’s lifetime didn’t suppose he would exceed an average life expectancy; they used Jesus’ comment to support their wishful thinking that He would return soon. John’s comment clarified before his death that this was a false rumor.

The corporate world, like all...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2190 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m honored to be your guide as we journey through the wisdom-filled landscapes of the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re embarking on a contemplative exploration of Proverbs 6:20-29, as beautifully rendered in the New Living Translation. So, let’s lace up our hiking boots and embark on this insightful journey together.

Proverbs 6:20-29 offers us a profound lesson about the importance of guarding our hearts, making wise choices, and preserving the sanctity of relationships. Let’s delve into the verses and uncover the gems of wisdom they hold.

Verse 20-23: “My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.”

These verses highlight the importance of heeding parental guidance and internalizing their wisdom. The imagery of tying their words around your neck symbolizes carrying their teachings close to your heart. This counsel becomes a guiding light in your life, leading you in your daily choices and decisions. It’s a reminder that honoring and learning from our parents is a foundation for wise living.

Verse 24-25: “It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman. Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.”

Here, the writer addresses the potential pitfalls of succumbing to temptation, particularly in the realm of inappropriate relationships. The wisdom instilled by parents acts as a protective shield, guarding you against the allure of immorality. The emphasis is on cultivating self-control and discernment, rather than being swayed by superficial attractions.

Verse 26-29: “For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life. Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished.”

These verses provide a vivid analogy to convey the grave consequences of engaging in adultery and immorality. The imagery of fire and coals illustrates the danger of these actions. The writer underscores that such choices lead to ruin and devastation. The overarching message is clear: guarding our hearts and upholding fidelity in relationships is essential for a life of integrity and well-being.

Remember that wisdom guides us in our choices and how we navigate our relationships and uphold the values that matter most. Let’s take a moment to reflect on these verses and consider their relevance in our lives. How can we honor the guidance of our parents? How can we protect our hearts from the allure of temptation? And how can we prioritize fidelity and respect in our relationships?

To summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 6:20-29:

Honor Parental Wisdom: Internalize the teachings of your parents and carry their guidance close to your heart. Their wisdom serves as a guiding light in your life.

Practice Self-Control: Guard your heart against the allure of temptation and immorality. Prioritize self-control and discernment in your decisions.

Uphold Fidelity: Cherish the sanctity of relationships by valuing fidelity and respect. Choices that honor commitment lead to a life of integrity and well-being.

As we conclude this episode, remember that wisdom is a faithful companion on our journey through life. By embracing the principles of Proverbs 6:20-29, we can navigate the complexities of relationships, choices, and values with a heart dedicated to integrity.

I hope these verses have inspired you to honor parental guidance, protect your heart from temptation, and uphold the sanctity of relationships. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we walk with integrity and wisdom, guided by principles that shape our character and enrich our lives.

Thank you for joining me on this Wisdom-Trek today. If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Remember, as we seek wisdom, we are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and make choices that lead to a fulfilling and righteous life. Until next time, may your trek be filled with the wisdom and guidance of the Almighty. as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!