Shot and Edited by Christopher “Mo” Evans

 The King is here, he’s finally come

The one for whom we’ve been waiting

The hope of redemption, God’s promised son

The one the prophets were anticipating

But though Old Testament writers spoke of his coming

It was a lengthy delay full of tears

For the nation to whom the king would be coming

Heard nothing but silence for 400 years

………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………

Until one day a virgin received startling news

About a child she would bear, the king of the Jews

Then all in a rush we see Scripture fulfilled

The son of God sent, the king revealed

Son of Abraham and David, the king of the earth

Hailed by shepherds then wise men, the king from his birth

Just look at our text, Matthew 1&2

And look at his list of what the prophets foreknew

He was born of a virgin as Isaiah 7 proclaims

In Bethlehem, the place Micah 5:2 names

God calls him out of Egypt, Hosea 11, but wait

He also looks back to the king in Numbers 24:8

But Herod so jealous kills all boys under two in the nation

Stirring echoes of Jeremiah 31 and Rachel’s loud lamentation

Then one more fulfillment, seemingly out of place in v. 23

The claim that this king shall be called a Nazarene

But by looking at the Hebrew word netzer, we see

That Matthew means the branch of Isaiah 11:1b

We see Jesus all over the New Testament pages

Fulfilling what was spoken by the prophets through the ages

There’s just a few more examples I’d like to impart

But as I do so I ask you to examine your heart

What place does this king have in your life? I ask you to consider

Because what he did for you demands more than following him on Twitter

So here it goes, my gospel presentation

While rhyming the message of Mark to Revelation

The same wisdom in Proverbs 8 active in creation

Was the Word in John 1 and the Son in Colossians

Hebrews 1 declares he’s the image, the imprint

Of the invisible God, become man, heaven-sent

Though the Lord of creation at the Father’s right hand

He humbled himself in becoming a man

The Word from eternity taking on flesh

And dwelling among us though this world’s a mess

Think about how the one John called God’s lamb

Is the Lion of Judah, the Great I AM

But he gave up his lifestyle, divine though it was

Becoming a servant and dying, for us

Yet he rose from the dead, he couldn’t be held by the grave

And with his resurrection, shown mighty to save

Now he’s been given a name above any other

Yet still condescends to call sinners his brother

Provided they trust him as Savior and Lord

By repenting of sin and trusting his word

It requires faith, being led by the Spirit

Then God grants salvation to those with ears to hear it

And though he has come the first time to save

He will come again to judge at the end of days

He’ll establish his kingdom, do justice on earth

And all of his people will ascribe him his worth

So let’s fix our eyes on the most gracious treasure

Ever given to man by quite a long measure

For the gift of the Son, our example and savior

Our Lord and Redeemer become baby in a manger

So let us raise our voice with the angelic host

To the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

As I read through John Piper’s reflections on Luke’s account of the narrow way (Demand #22 in What Jesus Demands from the World), he does a wonderful job of showing how both pleasure and pain are potential dangers to our soul. Often times, worldly pleasures related to money, comfort, entertainment, and more can lead us astray and hinder our ability and willingness to follow Jesus. Additionally, there is the danger of pain, of trials, hardships, and suffering, that could convince us that following Jesus is simply too hard and not worth the risk. Much safer to hide from the world than to confront it as a follower of Jesus. And yet the sobering truth is that Jesus never called us to an easy life; in fact, he called his disciples to a life of being persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matt 5:10). At the same time, this life is the only truly rewarding life because it gives us a joy that cannot be attained through earthly pleasures, nor can it be killed by earthly suffering, but it endures because it is eternal. Jesus has promised us the greatest treasure: himself. For those who embrace his call to follow him on the narrow way, no matter the cost, we find at the end a gate, with entrance to his kingdom, in which we will find an unimaginably good gift–relationship with Jesus Christ, unhindered by sin. So long as our eyes are set on Jesus as the greatest treasure, I think we can be confident that we have our eyes fixed in the right direction, and we can walk boldly on the narrow way, not swerving to the right or to the left, and enter through the gate that leads to everlasting joy!

In this brief reflection, I want to consider the “spiritual” journey of Bilbo and how that relates to the Christian life. When we meet Bilbo at the beginning of the work, he is a hobbit comfortable in his own home, his own schedule, and his own life. One understands that he would be perfectly content to go about another hundred years in exactly the same fashion. But when Gandalf the wizard comes along and gets him caught up in an adventure, we get the idea that he involves Bilbo because it will be good for him. In fact, Gandalf does not claim that Bilbo is presently what the dwarves need to complete their quest, but he will be when the time comes. The reader immediately understands that Bilbo will change in some way on this journey; he will not return the same. We hope, a hope which is confirmed later on, that this change will be for the better.

In a recent book, The Christian World of the Hobbit, Devin Brown makes an interesting point. He writes, “We could say that the adventure will be the making of him. And at the same time, Bilbo has been chosen, not just because the adventure will do him good, but because he has something good to do for Middle-earth. The two purposes go hand in hand. Through the action of helping to save those around him, Bilbo will himself be saved, saved from a life bounded and surrounded by—as readers are shown—an inordinate need for predictability, safety, and comfort.” Brown is exactly right. Bilbo will be better off for the journey, but so will the world with which he interacts. And this is precisely the thought that got me thinking: 1)How might this relate to the manner with which many believers live the Christian life? 2)What good might God intend for us in the present? 3)What good might God intend for us to do for the world?

Unfortunately, the first question seems all too easy to answer. Thousands and thousands of Christians are primarily focused on their own life—family, job, security, safety. They are much like Bilbo in his hobbit hole. When the world comes knocking on the door of many Christians, we decline the invitation (at least politely, I hope) to engage in the world, telling the inquirer that we simply do not like adventures. “I prefer the safety of my home and the security of my consistent schedule, thank you very much.” But then I read Scripture, and I find that Jesus did not request for people to follow him and then tell them it was all right that they wanted their security. It seems that Jesus commanded people to follow him, and told them to leave their jobs, their families, and their wealth behind for the uncertain life to which he called them. In fact, while most of this life was uncertain, Jesus promised two certainties: the first, that they would suffer for his sake; the second, that they would receive far more joy and blessing in that life of service and suffering than they ever could in their own secure lifestyle.

This point leads me to my second. God clearly intends good for us, and we certainly see the reality of this in the promise of eternity. The apostle Paul tells us that the suffering of this present time is unworthy to compare to the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). And yet, we see throughout Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, and James’ teaching that the life now is better as well. By our faith we have hope, and that hope brings joy, peace, blessing, and love—love of God and love of others, and a love from God and from others because we are part of the people of God through union with Christ.

Finally, Bilbo’s journey reminds me that the Christian life is not just about our good, but also about the good we are called to do for the world. In Bilbo’s case, he not only helps the dwarves return home, but The Lord of the Rings tells us that his journey, which leads to the discovery of the one ring, will be the beginning of the end of Sauron and a new day of peace in Middle-earth.  As Christians, too often we have a heaven-only mindset. We treat life as if it is only about getting saved and going to heaven, but that type of view leaves us a pretty sketchy job description after we believe. Instead, the call to make disciples is more than simply showing up to church and telling a few family members about Jesus. It is a life centered on the gospel of the kingdom, a gospel that calls us to go and engage the world, to forsake safety as our highest goal, and, as much as possible, to bring about a change in the current world that reflects the kingdom to come. That means encouraging unbelievers to know and love and submit to the one true King; that means bringing about justice, righting the wrongs of the world; that means living as kingdom people whose lights shine in a dark world that they may see our good works and praise our Father, who is in heaven.

–Kyle Rapinchuk

I wonder “Will we get it right?”

What’s the significance? What really happened?

When a virgin gave birth on that night

See the baby she bore though he looked like all others

Was certainly not the same

He was sent by the Father with a mission to save

And Jesus was his name

But while many will huddle ‘round tables and trees

This Christmas to read of his birth

The story begins quite a long time before

When Yahweh created the earth

So in order to tell you why Christmas is important

Rather than starting where you may anticipate

I must first begin with the problem we have

Of sin and where it originates

For just at the moment sin entered the world

So did the curse on creation

But a promise to Eve of her offspring to come

Who would bring about restoration

But the promise God made to send forth a savior

Did not stop there with Eve

In Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22

This redeemer will be Abraham’s seed

Then from Judah will come a king like no other

To whom the scepter belongs

God brings him out of Egypt and raises him up

As proclaimed in Balaam’s song

And this king will be more says Deuteronomy 18

Though it’s a passage that many are missin’

Cause the king that they longed for will be also a prophet

The one to whom they are to listen

Then though Joshua brings Israel into the land

He cannot provide them rest

Cause the son promised to David, some 400 years later

Is the one who’ll provide rest the best

So in the remainder of the books that we call historical

We wonder, “Is this king our guy?”

But though some kings of Judah do right in God’s eyes

They all fail and eventually die

In the wisdom and poetry books one can see

Many more passages looking for him

And the prophets continue this hopeful approach

Though the outlook was often quite dim

I could go on all day about Old Testament texts

That point us to God’s promised Son

But here I’ll be brief, give just a few key examples

That will point you to the Coming One

Psalm 2 and 110, he’s the king and the priest

The one kings and nations must praise

And in 72 he will bless all the nations

And the Lord will lengthen his days

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve

Have much to say to one who’s observant

He’s the child, the judge, the branch of David, the shepherd

But he’s also the suffering servant

Yet they go into exile for 70 years

Before returning home

And though they are back in the land God had promised

The conquering king has not come

Silence……………………………………………….

………………………………………………………….

400 years the Lord had nothing to say

Until he brought forth a prophet named John to prepare the way

Then all in a rush we see Scripture fulfilled

The son of God sent, the king revealed

Son of Abraham and David, the king of the earth

Hailed by shepherds then wise men, the king from his birth

Open your Bible, turn to Matthew 1&2

And look at his list of what the prophets foreknew

He was born of a virgin as Isaiah 7 proclaims

In Bethlehem, the place Micah 5:2 names

God calls him out of Egypt, Hosea 11, but wait

He also looks back to the king in Numbers 24:8

But Herod so jealous kills all boys under two in the nation

Stirring echoes of Jeremiah 31 and Rachel’s loud lamentation

Then one more fulfillment, seemingly out of place in v. 23

The claim that this king shall be called a Nazarene

But by looking at the Hebrew word netzer, we see

That Matthew means the branch of Isaiah 11:1b

We see Jesus all over the New Testament pages

Fulfilling what was spoken by the prophets through the ages

There’s just a few more examples I’d like to impart

But as I do so I ask you to examine your heart

What place does this king have in your life? I ask you to consider

Because what he did for you demands more than a passing reference on Twitter

So here it goes, my gospel presentation

While rhyming the message of Mark to Revelation

The same wisdom in Proverbs 8 active in creation

Was the Word in John 1 and the Son in Colossians

Hebrews 1 declares he’s the image, the imprint

Of the invisible God, become man, heaven-sent

Though the Lord of creation at the Father’s right hand

He humbled himself in becoming a man

Gave up his lifestyle, divine though it was

Becoming a servant and dying, for us

Yet he rose from the dead, he couldn’t be held by the grave

And with his resurrection, shown mighty to save

Now he’s been given a name above any other

Yet still condescends to call sinners his brother

Provided they trust him as Savior and Lord

By repenting of sin and trusting his word

It requires faith, being led by the Spirit

Then God grants salvation to those with ears to hear it

And though he has come the first time to save

He will come again to judge at the end of days

He’ll establish his kingdom, do justice on earth

And all of his people will ascribe him his worth

So this Christmas instead of just playing some tunes

About Rudolph and Frosty and dads in Santa costumes

How about we think on the most gracious treasure

Ever given to man by quite a long measure

For the gift of the Son, our example and savior

Our Lord and Redeemer become baby in a manger

So let us raise our voice with the angelic host

To the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen.

–Kyle Rapinchuk, December 2012

As these thoughts continued to swirl in my head, I thought upon a recent presentation I had heard in which the presenter quoted a few lines from George Herbert’s poem “The Elixir.” The lines read:

A man that looks on glasse,

On it may stay his eye;

Or if he pleaseth, through it passe,

        And then the heav’n espie.

As I considered these lines in light of Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor 13, I wonder whether this was not in Herbert’s mind as well as he penned this poem. We may stay our eye on the glass and see our reflection staring back, or if we please we may look beyond, through the mirror, and spy the heavens.

During this same conference in which Herbert’s poem was brought to my attention, I was conversing with a friend about G.K. Chesterton’s The Man Who Was Thursday. In debating various aspects of the final chapter of the book, I went back and re-read large portions of the work. One thing that stood out to me was a statement by Gabriel Syme, the main character in the story. He says, “Shall I tell you the secret of the whole world? It is that we have only known the back of the world. We see everything from behind, and it looks brutal. That is not a tree, but the back of a tree. That is not a cloud, but the back of a cloud. Cannot you see that everything is stooping and hiding a face? If we could only get round in front–” (143). Syme is interrupted in the novel at this point, but I propose here to finish the thought that I am sure that he had. The world in which we dwell is but a shadow of the world which once was and will be again. We really have only seen the back of the world as it were. We have only seen the imperfect reflection in the mirror. If Syme can be faulted at all, it is that he proposes to get round the front, when the reality is that we can and must, like Herbert’s poem suggests, go directly through the looking glass.

Though this might seem like an impossible task, since not all looking glasses can be passed through as Alice’s was, Scripture teaches that there is a way–Jesus Christ. In fact, the author of Hebrews may be on to the metaphor when he speaks of Christ as the forerunner on our behalf who makes it possible for us to enter the inner place behind the curtain/veil (Heb 6:19-20) and provides a new and living way through the curtain/veil (Heb 10:19-20), which is his body. On account of Jesus Christ being both the sacrifice for sin and the priest after the order of Melchizedek, we can pass through the veil (mirror) from our earthly dwelling to his heavenly dwelling. Through Christ, we can truly see the front of the world, the world as God sees it, and the world as God will restore it again.

–Kyle Rapinchuk

I have been thinking lately about how God has continued to bless us, and in ways we never could have imagined. One of the more obvious blessings has been His provision of a teaching position for me at a wonderful school that is starting a great and exciting new program. I love teaching and can’t wait to get started planning and preparing curriculum and teaching and interacting with students. Five years ago, however, this thought would have terrified me. Most simply, this is because five years ago I could not talk formally to a group of more than three people without shaking and stammering with fear.

This was not a new problem, though I must admit it was a strange one. It is not strange that I had a debilitating fear of public speaking; many others have that same fear. However, I found it strange that I couldn’t talk about anything when speaking publicly while simultaneously having no fear in playing baseball in front of thousands of people. In fact, in baseball I thrived on being in the most important spots, mostly because my confidence was such that I did not fear failure, probably because I didn’t think I would fail. With public speaking, I not only thought I would fail—I knew I would fail.

So when God called me to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the summer of 2006, I had no idea what he had in mind. During my first year in seminary, I was intrigued by the workings of the library. I am a book lover (and was working at the time at Barnes & Noble), and I thought it would be interesting to be a research librarian who helped students with dissertations. Over time, however, God continued to lay on my heart that I was going to work with college students, specifically in a teaching role. For one who had a terrible fear of public speaking, this is not the career/ministry choice I was expecting. Nevertheless, the Lord changed my heart, personality, and interests, and most importantly He convicted me of my pride. I found that I had no fear of being in the big spot in a baseball game because I knew that I would succeed, but my fear of public speaking arose out of my conviction that I would fail, and I could not take that hit to my pride. Once I learned that teaching God’s Word was not about me, but about Him and His kingdom, my fear began to subside.

Since then I have had many opportunities to teach, preach, and speak publicly, and I love doing so because I am able to share God’s Word with many people I would otherwise not reach. In the midst of this change, it would be easy for me to forget where I came from, but God is faithful to remind me of His grace.

Recently, I was working on an extremely difficult and involved paper for my Hermeneutics PhD seminar.  The more I read, the more I realized that I needed additional resources. Living in Missouri and going to school in California, this is not the easiest trip to the library! However, a librarian at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (where I am working on my PhD) has consistently helped me get resources that I need. He has contacted endless libraries for journal articles and books. He sent me 5-6 books through the mail so that I could do the research I needed in time for my paper’s due date. Essentially, while I did a lot of work on my paper, it never would have come together and been completed without the help of this librarian. I was thankful for this reminder from the Lord. While I am not the research librarian that I once thought I might be, and while God has called me to a different task for His kingdom, I do not take any pride in my role as a teacher. I am not in a “better” or “more important” task in teaching than as a librarian, only a different one for which God has prepared me. I am thankful that I am in the position I am in, but I am every bit as thankful that there are people like this librarian who glorify God through their hard work in the area that He has placed them to serve. In fact, while the librarian could do his job just as well without me, I certainly could not do my job as well without him.

So my point in this lengthy reflection is that God can lead us in different directions than we initially planned. The caution is that we ought not to think that if God leads us in a different direction that the earlier direction is unimportant. I am thankful for where God has placed me, but I am thankful for where God has placed others in my life and the lives of others.

–Kyle Rapinchuk

At this very moment, I am avoiding a particularly difficult research paper that I need to write this summer. It is a biblical theology of social justice. Not particularly the easiest topic, but one that I am interested in and hope will help me towards my dissertation. In creating a lengthy bibliography, reading some sources, and making plans for this paper, I keep returning to this verse, Mark 10:45 (probably because it is quoted in the movie 2-3 times and we are on a daily rotation of this show). What strikes me is how often the gospel writers record Jesus’ concern for the poor and outcast of society. Usually, and rightfully so, the emphasis in these passages is on how Jesus came to the sinners and not the righteous, for it is the sick and not the well who are in need of a physician (cf. Mark 2:17//Matt 9:12//Luke 5:31). At the same time, I always wonder whether Jesus is not also exhibiting a life that demonstrates a concern for acting on behalf of those who cannot act for themselves. A concern for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner is attested and commanded all over the OT; would it be so surprising to see Jesus act upon these principles? I don’t think so. I was struck, then, by this quote in Mark 10:45 that emphasized that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Too often we limit Jesus to a sacrificial lamb that secures our salvation. This is most certainly true. And yet, if Jesus’ only importance was his death, then why did he live so long on the earth? Why do the gospel writers spend most of their gospel on his life? Quite simply, because Jesus’ life was important as well. And among the many things we can learn from Jesus’ life, one of the things that comes to the forefront time and again is that he was a servant. And not only was he a servant, but his service was often rendered for the benefit of those who could not act on their own behalf–the blind, leprous, and unclean come to mind first.

I am not sure at this point how to reconcile all of these thoughts–that’s part of why I am writing this paper. But I am glad that I at least have some preliminary questions to consider and some thoughts to mull over in my research, and I have talking vegetables to thank for that.

–Kyle Rapinchuk

Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 15 when, after highlighting the importance of the resurrection and the hope that we will likewise be raised, he tells the church to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Our work has present and eternal consequences. We need to be in prayer for a broken world; we need to be the hands that do the work of restoration; we need to be the feet that bring the good news. Moreover, we have been given the power to accomplish this task. The same power which raised Christ from the dead and seated him at the right hand of the Father is at work in those who believe (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Father, may the power which raised Christ from the dead be at work in your world, in your church, in my life for the sole purpose of making your name famous throughout all your creation. Lord, bring restoration to this broken world. Bring healing where there is sickness. Bring justice where there is corruption. Bring hope where there is despair. Bring the light of the gospel where there is darkness. Lord, act decisively through your people and through your Spirit to show this world that you alone are God.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).

-Kyle Rapinchuk