Head-dibs

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness…” (Psalm 45:6) We’ve often heard about “Air Force One” and many Americans know that The President on occasion travels by jet referred to as “Air Force One.” Ever wonder about the planes that make up the fleet? Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to fly in a plane in 1910 (Taft was actually in office) but the call sign “Air Force One” was not created until the late 1950’s, when travel became more widespread. Technically, any Air Force plane carrying the President is called “Air Force One” although specific planes are set apart for this purpose. I use this as an example to illustrate the difference between a “stool,” a “seat”, and a “throne.” The Hebrew word for all three is the same word כִּסֵּא (kicce'). But how do we tell the difference? For starters, we can watch for where the King sits and wherever He sits changes the meaning of the device. A stool remains a stool unt...

"Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you." (Psalm 45:5) This love song penned by the Sons of Korah gush from the heart to the pen to the page, lavishing adoration for this glorious and beautiful King and his stunning bride. The last few days we’ve been trying to wrap our minds around the glory of this magnificent King, His most notable feature being that He makes Himself enjoyable to everyone who receives the graces He extends; otherwise, they make themselves His enemy and they experience Him in less enjoyable ways. Who are the King’s enemies? Those who chose to live against His kingdom of grace, of truth and humility and rightness. The king’s enemies receive justice as they chose to reject His standard for their own. They cannot enjoy the benefits of His Kingdom and be hostile to His grace. But what is an arrow? Are they literal arrows? Could they perhaps be something else? There’s another passage that may help us answer ...

“…let your right hand teach you awesome deeds." (Psalm 45:4c) Intriguing little phrase here concerning the “right hand.” Does one’s right hand actually, literally teach, as if it were an autonomous being all it’s own. What does this mean? The “right hand” (יָמִין) (pronounced “yä·mēn'”) is the place of honor (seat of His Queen) and friends of the Kingdom. Does this mean this spectacular and mighty King seeks advisement? A king finds glory in exploring matters (Prov. 25:2), to draw from the wise counsel of others. But might there be another consideration? The language lends to the idea of the King showing off His mighty works. The word “teach” (יָרָה)  (pronounced "yarah") includes the idea of “rain down, throw, dispense, shoot, cast, point out, instruct.” Picture this dashing spectacular King riding out giving grace to all who will receive it, The Champion of His cause of Truth, Humility and Right. What a display of power under control! How impressive! His ...

“In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness . . ."  (Psa 45:4) Those who live for a cause, those who live “on purpose” are a force not to be reckoned with. Borrowing an analogy from the shooting range, they are “front sight focused.” Eyes on target. No matter what comes, the center of attention is laser-beam focused on the one goal. Fully aware of what’s happening on all sides, the one who lives “on purpose” keeps the objective. Nothing gets in the way. Those who live without cause, without purpose, without “front-sight focus” are without direction, without foundation. They are without strength, taken captive, plundered. The past few days we’ve been considering the love song which is Psalm 45. Right out the gate we meet a marvelous and majestic king riding out victoriously, with sword on his thigh. He is out to champion His cause, His Purpose: He is victorious for the cause of Truth. Think about this: an estimated 65 perce...

A couple months ago a very good friend stood with me on the roof of a hotel in downtown Charleston, SC where he pointed out features concerning the old city that remain preserved to this day. One historical feature remains in plain sight--no building is higher than a church steeple in Charleston. One reason for this is to preserve the old (literal) landmarks that ships used to navigate--the church steeples. Higher buildings obscure the view! Walking to one side of the restaurant, my friend pointed down to what seemed to be a church; in fact, the building once was a church but is now a restaurant called “5Church Charleston”. He told us to visit there sometime, for there we will find Sun Tzu’s entire “Art of War” painted on the ceiling. We’ve not yet made the visit, but my friend knew of my interest in the ancient work. Nobody knows exactly when Sun Tzu was born, but scholars generally say he lived sometime between 720 years to 480 years before Christ. A military strategist himself...

“Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty.” (Psalm 45:3) It’s no secret--He’s beautiful, most fair, not in appearance alone but because words of grace fall from his lips and in turn, share the grace of God to all who will receive it. Hard to wrap our minds around the fact that some will not receive the blessing of God, that they will not receive grace, that they despise His beauty. He is doing everything to make Himself enjoyable to every being, but some will not have Him. If they will receive the blessing of grace of His lips, they will receive the girded sword on his thigh. Ever flip through a photo album and come across a picture that makes you stop and think, “well that’s interesting” and you spend time dwelling on that picture trying to take in everything you see, perhaps trying to resurrect a connected memory? Here’s a picture of some very strange, perhaps even hideous creatures before the throne of God. Notice their response to true beaut...

The patron saint of motorcyclists happens to be Columbanus (ca. 543-615 AD). You know what a “patron saint” is, don’t you? A patron saint is (simply put) the special protector, the heavenly advocate of anything important to us. “Recently, the popes have named patron saints but patrons can be chosen by other individuals or groups as well. Patron saints are often chosen today because an interest, talent, or event in their lives overlaps with the special area.” ( The Catholic Encyclopedia ). Maybe you’ve heard (or prayed): “Columbanus be my guide,  as I climb upon my ride Let your halo light the way,  keep me safe from harm today Find a peaceful sunny place,  and let it shine upon my face Keep the clouds and rain at bay,  and keep me dry throughout the day Watch over those who ride with me,  keep them safe and close to thee Keep my wheels upon the ground,  so I'll return home safe and sound Should disaster be my fate,  guide...

"You are the most handsome of the sons of men…" (Psalm 45:2a, ESV) Who is the most handsome man you can think of? Let’s see. I can’t think of any of . . .oh yes: James Dean, Brad Pitt, Cary Grant, Myself, Dave Grohl, Jared Leto, Tim McGraw . . . and Myself.  No really, of all the handsome faces out there, I know of someone more handsome yet. We are not told the identity of the King in Psalm 45. Some think this was King David. Prior to his coronation as king, David was described as “ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome” (1 Sam 16:12, ESV). Others suggest it might be David’s son, King Solomon. Interestingly, there is no description of Solomon other than being the wisest and wealthiest king in Israel; however, the word “handsome” used is our psalm is found in another love song written by Solomon, where a bride sings of her lover--does he describe himself? "My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand. His head is the finest gold; ...

"My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe." (Psalm 45:1) When you write a letter, how do you begin? “Dear . . .” Do you write your Mom or Dad (you do write your Mom, or at least call, right?) in the same way you would your boss or a judge or a Congressman--or the President? Seems the higher up the ladder you go, the more language seems to change--or it should. Of course you should always give Mom the highest respect, right? There is respect . . . right? This musician could have one day said, “Check out this new song I wrote on the way to the palace” (or something like that). But he doesn’t. He puts pen to paper and pours this love song onto vellum or parchment, etching the song into a permanent form. So permanent, it’s been on record (pun intended) for thousands of years. Remember how the song is also addressed to lead singers everywhere--so this song can be played by anyone who knows the ...

Ever had one of those moments when you found yourself scrambling for paper and pen because something came to mind you did not want to forget? Not just any “something” but you needed to capture a thought that excited you so terribly that perhaps in your fervor to “get it down” you raised a curious alarm to those around you? “Just give me something!” you scream as you frantically try not lose the light of the epiphany. That’s the scenario that comes to mind when I read, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.” (Psalm 45:1) Who is this scribe? What verses are about to burst from his heart? All the words are on the tip of his tongue and he must get them down lest he swallow them by accident! First understand that this song is a “maskil”, the Hebrew word describing one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and won’t leave. It’s a song that makes you think because there is wisdom hidden within. If y...

Objection: The contradiction is plain: the Bible states there is no righteous person, yet many biblical figures are described as righteous (Job, Joseph, Noah, to name a few)--even Christians go around talking about being made righteous. I can't believe in a religious contradiction.  Answer: The apparent contradiction is very plain, but is anyone asking “what does ‘righteousness’ mean?” The central text from which we learn “there is none righteous” is found in Psalm 14 where we also find one definition. Other biblical uses quote this passage or point back to this place, so instead of addressing each one individually, we will consider the source. First, it helps to know who is writing and it takes no scholar to find the answer as the first line reads “Of David,” who incidentally is also one of the biblical figures whose righteousness is called into question. What is he writing about? Well, the first verse explains his topic as “the fool [who] says in his heart, ‘ther...

QUESTION: “I read many times in the scripture where laws are given regarding animal sacrifices; yet, I also read many injunctions against killing, including statements where God does not accept sacrifices. Please address this contradiction.” ANSWER: First, anyone who reads should be commended because reading demonstrates the desire to know. When we read we are challenged to think, which is better than merely hearing something and drawing a conclusion without checking out the facts. There are many laws and instructions regarding the animal sacrifices and there are statements of God’s displeasure in them. What God desires is obedience, not sacrifice; but, since man would rather disobey, sacrifice was to remind man of God’s perfection. Remember: from the beginning God and man enjoyed unbroken fellowship until man disobeyed God and brought death by his sin. So that man may keep before him the seriousness of the consequences of sin and the need to be clean before God, God required ...

I’ve spent the last couple of days thinking about learning and the Christian worldview. Past blog posts have considered the difference between learning “ under the sun ” and learning “ under heaven ” as explored by wise King Solomon. We now he did not turn out so well in the end because of compromised worldview. Is it possible to learn, to pursue education, to grow in wisdom in the context of the world in which we live? Long after Solomon’s golden age ended and the kingdom was divided, we read in the historical literature that Israel was carried away in Babylonian captivity. Caught up in the capture were some notable young men that receive this assessment of their captors: “ And in every manner of wisdom and understanding about which the king [Nebuchadnezzar] inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom .” (Daniel 1:20). Consider the situation: these young men were uprooted from their homeland and transp...

“ But the LORD sits enthroned forever; He has established His throne for justice, and He judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness .” (Psalm 9:7-8) Ever play that game where you say a word over and over and over again until it sounds like a different word,? The game involves a sort of a mind trick where the repeated word seems to lose its meaning. Say the word repeatedly until the mind sort of “clocks out” and the word sounds foreign. Children at that moment laugh when they realize what happened. I think this has happened with “forever.” What does “forever” mean? Well, the word as we know it has been around since at least the late 17th century, combining the concept of “before” with “at any time” or “always.” The Hebrew word is “o-lam” which carries the idea of “hidden time, long” or simply “ancient.” So how long has the LORD been enthroned? Since ancient hidden time. How long will He remain? Will He ever leave the throne? Lo...

Today marks the 40th day of Easter, Ascension Day. Eye witnesses recorded the bodily return of Jesus into Heaven. “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11, NKJV) The ascension reminds us that while Jesus walked this earth in time and space, He continues His work on earth while at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. When the world turns to confront its problems, it misses the remedy offered by the death, burial, resurrection and bodily ascension of the Savior. I spoke with a woman recently who admitted she was struggling with sin and was confused, yet while she acknowledged Jesus she would not hu...

You know that moment somewhere between “asleep” and “awake” when you have the feeling you suddenly understand life, the Universe and everything? I have an idea about that moment, and am interested in your thoughts if you will follow me: but first . . . When does your day begin? Midnight? Sunrise? Sundown? I’ve been pondering the Jewish concept of the day beginning at sundown and wonder if there is a simple basic principle that the follower of Christ and lover of God should examine and put into practice. Why say we start the day when the sun goes down? If we did not have electricity, sundown would be the time we clean up and go to bed. Presently we extend our bedding down until much, much later in the evening, but we still sleep at night (then complain about how little sleep we get). How does a day begin when we are not active? Our day begins in the light, with activity which carries on until the sun goes down at which time our day ends. We lay down to sleep and we are most vu...

I spoke with a woman was told me she could not wait to get to heaven because she would see her mother there. The woman explained her excitement further: her mother had been an atheist all her life, but now she was enjoying the presence of God in heaven! Really? Time after time I’ve heard people speak of the forgiveness and grace of God as if were automatic, as if God was obligated. Are mercy, grace and forgiveness part of the package deal of life simply because God knows we are sinners? Does God owe anyone forgiveness simply because they repent? People tell me, “I repent all the time! God just forgives!” He does? Let’s think about David for a moment. Most people remember him for killing Goliath, the champion of invaders. David is also known for murdering a man and taking his wife. He later repented and was granted forgiveness and we have evidence of this in a few places in scripture, namely Psalm 51: David cries out, God responds. That settles it, right? Hebrews 12:16-17 (fro...

I believe I can safely say that each time we play “Build Your Kingdom” by Rend Collective Experiment on our Calvary Chapel Blythewood praise team, I must burn about 100 calories. I don’t know how much our percussionist burns, but we may have a great weight loss program here in our praise music! One line in the song says, “You’ve made us for much more than this; awake the Kingdom seed in us.” This is where I would like to focus for a moment: we are made for more than we think; but, first consider this sign: What is the right way to read? While much could be said here, just think for a moment about how you feel when you read? Do you feel anything? You should. Reading with sensitivity helps shed light on the meaning of text. Perhaps this is one reason some feel reading the Bible is difficult: they read without feeling. I find it difficult to read Psalm 8 without attention to feeling. This psalm is the epitome of awe. Ask me what “awe” means, and I will bring you here. Why? The reasons...

" Why do you love me?" Admit it guys. This has got to be the most difficult question of all time. Ever. Not much else on the planet can make a guy stop whatever he is doing, make him stop breathing, cause a few second of cardiac arrhythmia and perhaps trigger an avalanche of anxiety than hearing his darling wife ask, “honey, why do you love me?” Ok, maybe being struck by lightning would do the trick. Statistics show that men will most often face repeated strikes by the one without ever encountering the other and be left deeply desiring the one over the other. Despite the fact that I know deep in my heart that I love my wife dearly (words can never tell), I still brace myself for the moment I hear her sweet voice float the question. Psalm 116 is the love song of a person deeply, passionately in love with God—and all the words to tell. Are you in love with God? Then read this out loud, “I love the Lord because . . .” “Because God has heard my voice, my pleas fo...

“What is this confidence that you have?” These are the words of an invader. The Assyrian army has seized all the fortified cities of Judah and is now on the doorstep of Jerusalem. The Assyrian king sent three generals to speak with Hezekiah, not face to face, but to shout public humiliations over the wall. Listen to them strip every ounce of hope in the hearing of the people, “You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and strength for the war.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me? . . . Have I come up without the Lord’s approval against this place to destroy it? The Lord said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’” (see 2 Kings 18-9-19:37) I am firmly convinced that when J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Battle of Helm’s Deep in “The Two Towers” he had the Assyrian invasion in mind. Peter Jackson did a fairly good job capturing the scene for us: Yes, I think that is fairly accurate (even of the Assyrians). Psalm 46 was composed during this...