#P5: When the king heard the words…

by chrisaiken | Sep 3, 2015 | Uncategorized

“Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, ‘I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord’… When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes .” 2 Kings 22:8,11, NASB.

Can you imagine losing your Bible and not missing it? In front of me this AM I have six copies of the Scripture (not counting the four electronic devices with Bible on them). Misplacing the Bible and not missing it seems foreign to me. At the same time, if you go back to the era of this Scripture, it is less of a “stretch” to see how it could be misplaced.

I wonder though…do you physically have to lose the Bible to really LOSE the Bible? I think not…and perhaps our shame is even greater than those in Jerusalem in the last millennium before Christ…since we have it so readily accessible.

Josiah followed after his father and grandfather as king. He was considered a good king whereas his father and grandfather pegged the needle on evil. Grand-dad (Manasseh) undid all of Hezekiah’s reforms in a generation and went as far as erecting idols within the Temple walls before the Lord. Josiah’s dad (Amon) was no better and lived only two years before he was assassinated. But Josiah…he was a good king. He reversed the course of evil in the kingdom (mainly because a priest was his chief counselor–since Josiah was only 8 years old when he become king).

Still, when he heard the words fo the law he responded in repentance. What was different about hearing these words? Well it seems clear that he had heard about the Law of God since he had enacted many reforms and was prioritizing the renovation work at the Temple to restore worship of Yahweh to its rightful prominence. He was not unfamiliar with the Law. Still, when he heard the words read to him…he responded in humble repentance. Why?

Because the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword…able to discern between motive and action of man. It is powerful and never returns void! The Word of God is POWERFUL and always accomplishes God’s will in its proclamation.

So…if this is true (and it is even if we do not affirm or agree)…why do WE not know it better? Why is it not the first place we turn for wisdom or advice or guidance…rather than opinion polls on Facebook for instance? Why is it the least read book in our home? Even in my experience in college and grad school/Seminary…we read from the Bible daily but the bulk of my assigned reading was the writings of man ABOUT the Bible…not the Bible itself.

I appreciate the fact that there are great pieces of literature and helps in biblical understanding. I read them and grow in doing so…but if you know “Experiencing God” better than you know the experience with God in His Word…you have missed the point.

Here’s a thought…if God’s Word is so powerful and possesses the promise of its limitless ability to accomplish God’s purpose…why not make it your mission to know it as well or better than the pastor? Just a thought…

Shalom, CA.

#P5: Your “Platform” is for God’s Glory

by chrisaiken | Jun 3, 2015 | Uncategorized

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with difficult questions…Then she said to the king, ‘It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes have seen it. And behold, the half was not told to me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard…Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel’…” 1 Kings 10:1-9, NASB

God declared to Solomon that his wisdom would exceed all those men before him and those who would come after him. He also blessed Solomon with riches and fame and influence that Solomon never asked for so that the Name of the Lord would be great (Ch 3).

Stated differently, God gave Solomon a “platform” in life that would make God famous if used appropriately. The queen of Sheba heard of the wise king of Israel who followed his father on the throne a couple of decades earlier. (Yes, we are 20 years into platform building.) Solomon’s reputation for wisdom had traveled far and wide…so that this unbelieving (non-Christian) woman had to go hear for herself. She was impressed and ultimately blessed the Lord God of Israel for His sovereign provision in and through Solomon.

Solomon’s “platform” gave him the opportunity to make much of God.

The same is true today. Now you may not be a king but do not think that only a king has a platform. It is not exclusive to kings; rather, doctors have platforms, teachers have platforms, carpenters, mechanics, politicians, stay-at-home moms, salesmen, flight attendants and bankers have platforms. Even pastors have platforms! The issue is not what you do but what you do with what God has given you…that is how He is made famous in your life and through your life.

This means that there is a level of accountability and responsibility that is inherent in the way we live our lives every day. We REPRESENT God in everything…whether intentionally or unintentionally. People notice the God we serve in how we live out our platform.

So, if you’re a carpenter…measure accurately, cut straight and build strong. God’s Name is on the line. If you’re a doctor, heal well and show compassion. God’s Name is on the line. If you are a mechanic…fix it to the glory of God! His Name is on the line. Make much of Him…not necessarily by shouting from the rooftops but by being the very best at what you do…to the glory of God everyday…and if there is any doubt as to whom you serve or why you care so much about the quality of your labors…explain that you ultimately do everything you do as a Servant of the Most High God and for His glory. Your employer and customers and coworkers just benefit from your higher allegiance and sense of duty.

Shalom, CA.

Let your kids choose not to go to church today and they won’t choose to go when they are adults

by chrisaiken | May 18, 2015 | Uncategorized

Great article by my partner and Associate Pastor Jonathan Hill. Well written explanation on why parents should really consider the messagew of making church attendance optional for their children…

New Beginnings

by chrisaiken | May 7, 2015 | Uncategorized

So today is a new day. I have been sharing thoughts, sermon ideas, work product, and reflections on culture (along with not a few book reviews) for over 8 years. Today…while doing site maintenance…I inadvertently deleted everything. Yes…everything. All of it. Every file, paper, essay, article, scholarly work…all of it.

As I started to get a little angry and look for someone to blame, I realized that I was alone in the room. It is all on me. Now, I have to find purpose.

So, whether it was a crazy oversight on my part…or God telling me I needed a fresh start…so be it. Today is a new day and this is a new work. I hope you’ll enjoy the writings, interact with them along the way and we will enjoy the journey…together.