(x)wisdom

From our earliest days our drive is fueled by our craving to satisfy our desires. We are driven for food, for possessions, for status, for recognition. But in the end all of these will be consumed or given to someone else. Food will turn to waste. Possessions will rust and rot. Status and fame will fade with the fickle passions of those who bestow them. "This also is vanity and a striving after wind."

We mindlessly strive for pleasures without eyes to see our wickedness. The road is wide and the lanes packed with people striving after this futility. Wasted lives in the making. We are powerless to change our affections, which drain every ounce of energy in their quest for fulfillment chasing after mirages. Each time our disappointment is mended with the promise of something better, yet we are blind to see the pattern. What then shall we do? Who can save us from this futility, from this death?

'Tis the season for remembrance and gift giving. Yet, as I set out this Christmas time to bless those that I love, I find myself wondering, "What do they need? What do they want? And, can I afford it?"

I suppose this all might sound a bit analytical but I've come to realize that in most cases the best thing I can offer are encouraging words in the form of analysis, diagnosis, and prescription. So, given all that, how can I most bless you this Christmas? I suppose I could write a poem or a song. Perhaps I could make a craft for you, or buy you the perfect gift. Or maybe I could do for you what comes most natural for me.

Allow me to start with a fundamental question. What do we humans need the most? After all, if we fail to diagnose our basic problem then can we ever hope to recognize the proper solution?

Theologian D.A. Carson recently said,

Isaiah 53:12 - The sins of the people who trust Christ for their salvation were imputed to Christ. Though not his own sins, he died to save those who committed them. He was the perfect sacrifice and as  the great High Priest he continually makes intercession with the Father for those who are his. God the Father has exalted Jesus and those who are his. Those who trust solely in Christ for their salvation, as a free gift of grace, will share in his inheritance. Believers are the bride of Christ and co-heirs with Christ. If our salvation is in Christ, we are his wife! It's impossible to imagine a better husband than the all-powerful, all-loving, all-knowing, Creator God of the universe?

Are you challenged with struggles and pain? Are you hard pressed on every side and do not know where to turn? Are you wondering how you can have peace in the midst of it all?

To my dear wife and children,

In His wisdom He gave me the Law to show me my sin. (2 Kings 22:11-13; Romans 4:15) But I end up doing the evil things I want to avoid and I avoid doing the holy things I desire to do. (Romans 7:19) What a wretched man I am! Who can save me from the death penalty for my sinfulness? (Romans 7:24) I am not able to keep the Law, I cannot obey, and without a savior God will demand payment for my sins. (Job 34:21-30) But the very person I sinned against has crushed another in my place, His only Son.