December 4, 2024

Viewing all things through the lens of the True and the beautiful!

The True

Bold Breath

Your every breath is a gift. Also, you should be bold enough to risk it all—in a certain way at least.

These two concepts have been repeatedly reinforced in my world, and if you’ll notice, I wager they are visible in your life too.

First, everywhere I turn lately, I am reminded of the truth that my very being—and yours—is only animated because of the breath of God. When God formed Adam from dust, that dust only came to life when God breathed into him (Gen. 2:7). That breath is the only thing that distinguished the dust of Adam from the living being Adam. As long as God’s breath was in him, Adam was animated with life! Once that breath ceased to move through him, Adam’s body was once again dust.

The breath (of God, specifically) made all the difference!

This miracle of creation—including the miracle of being infused with breath and life—is a truth our pastor has been expanding on recently (love you, Pastor Mark), and it has caused me to notice the phenomenon in countless ways around me.

You know what else has caused me to notice this truth? The reality of walking through the ceasing of God’s breath moving through the body of my wife, Brooke’s, mom. There is no way to sugarcoat it . . . the departure of God’s breath is painful, and its absence leaves a mark. We rejoice unceasingly in the promise of eternity and in the knowledge of wholeness, but—and you very likely know this reality, as well—the temporary separation caused by the absence of God’s breath in a human body of dust is painful. It just is.

Again, the breath of God makes all the difference!

So, what do boldness and risk have to do with any of this?

There really is no two ways about it. If you are but dust absent God’s breath, but capable of channeling the immeasurable power of God when infused by it (Eph. 3:20), how could you be anything but bold as a lion (Pr. 28:1)?

Are you naturally risk-averse? I have told you before—I certainly am! I cling to this human body that is but dust, but here’s what I’m learning: A life marked with the kind of impact I long for, and one infused with the strength and courage needed is only accomplished if it is infused by the very breath of God. (Duet. 31:6; 2 Tim. 1:7)

Will you be bold enough to do the humanly risky thing God is asking of you? This is anything but license to be careless or brash with the treasure of life God has bestowed to you—He also granted you critical thinking and wisdom, and He intended for you to use those gifts!

But . . . I say it again: The breath of God makes all the difference!

Should you be audacious enough to live as though God’s breath moves through you, and is in fact the very thing that animates your being and separates it from dust?

Should you? Or, better asked, is there any other way to truly live?

God’s very breath fills your lungs, animates your being, and in fact makes you a human being. Live with a boldness that reflects that wild truth!

U.S.

A Son's Pardon

U.S. President Joe Biden has granted his son, Hunter Biden, a full pardon. This action frees the younger Biden from sentencing that was expected to occur this month in two cases related to gun and tax violations. It also eliminates the possibility of prosecution of any other “offenses against the United States” committed between January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2024. The pardon marks a reversal in the President’s long-running pledge to not use the pardon power in his son’s legal cases.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The pardoning of Hunter Biden was surprising on one hand and entirely predictable on the other. Presidents regularly promise to use this extraordinary—and controversial—power sparingly, but nearly always end up using it near the end of their time in office in ways that are difficult to defend. In this case, the President says he believes politics motivated and tainted the prosecution of his son, while others—including President-elect Donald Trump—are responding that nobody should be above the law. Democrat Joe Manchin went so far as to say that, while he was not surprised a father would use the pardon power in this way for his son, it would have been better to couple it with pardons for Trump, as well.

The pardon power, like many things in modern American politics, no longer resembles what the Founders had in mind when they designed it. While America’s judicial system is designed to ensure that no person—including a president or a president’s family—are above the law, recent application of the pardon power has resulted in the opposite. Every president in recent history has used the pardon power in very controversial ways, and it is highly likely that streak will continue unless and until there is an amendment to Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

This story, as well as the underlying policy debate, is naturally divisive and invokes a number of substantive issues that warrant your understanding. If you want to learn more about this power, begin by reading Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution for yourself.

Next, as Jesus followers, it should be impossible for us to read about a pardoning (even within the context of fallen governments of men) without rejoicing for the pardon granted to us. This truth sits at the very foundation of the Gospel story, and as such is sprinkled all throughout God’s Word, but for this week, revel in the description of this overwhelming grace afforded to you found in Colossians 1:13-14:

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Glory!

World

Tariffs and Minerals

The economic jockeying between the United States and China is intensifying, as both countries prepare for an expected change in trade relations. First, President-elect Donald Trump has promised to levy significant tariffs on imports from China (as well as Mexico and Canada). The President-elect says the move is necessary to combat China’s anti-competitive trade practices, and to garner more cooperation from Canada and Mexico on border security.

Meanwhile, China is banning the export of several minerals used in the production of technologies critical to the communications, energy, and defense sectors.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The relationship between the world’s current superpower—the United States—and the country with the stated goal of being the next superpower—China—has been growing increasingly frosty for several decades. While this news marks an escalation of the economic clash between the two countries, there is also a significant security component, as China has been increasingly public about its support for Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others hostile to the United States. In many cases, China’s global posture is almost certainly motivated most by its desire to thwart the U.S., and the U.S. is undoubtedly conversely motivated to slow the advances of China.

As Jesus followers, we know there will be “wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6). We should expect that to include military wars, economic wars, and countless other types of war.

It is easy for this understanding to cause angst. But keep reading the rest of the verse: “. . . but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” I encourage you to read all of Matthew 24 for even more context, but here’s the quick spoiler:

It is not that there won’t be trouble. There will be! But those who stand firm to the end will be saved! (v. 13)

It is wise to be aware of these changes in the world around you. It is wise to prepare. But ultimately, set your eyes on the end of the story, which has already been written and in which you have already been redeemed because of your association with Jesus!

World

Ceasefire and Hostages

Just a week into a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the two sides exchanged fire in what each called violations of the ceasefire by the other party. Like many ceasefires before, the confidence in the region that this one will hold is low.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump weighed in about the hostages still being held by Hamas, and promised swift action if they are not released before his inauguration. Approximately 250 hostages were originally taken by Hamas, and approximately 100 are believed to remain in captivity (more than 30 of which are believed to be deceased).

Analysis and eternal perspective: It sounds like a broken record, but a lasting peace in the region will never be achieved by a simple ceasefire. Reprieves are welcome, and should often still be pursued, but we as The Equipped should be clear-eyed about the reality that these wars and conflicts are rooted in a millennia-old hatred for God’s covenant people. That is not to say the human government of the Jewish State of Israel is beyond reproach—no government of men can accurately make such a claim. But as we seek and work for peace (Ps. 34:14), we should be plainly aware that temporary ceasefires within the context of ongoing hatred are just that—temporary.

As for the hostages, it is long past time for them to be home. As we grieve with the families of those who have lost loved ones or continue to long for reunification with those who remain held, let us continue to pray all of Psalm 126 over them. Further, let us anticipate proclaiming verses 1-3 over them upon their release:

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

The Beautiful

Bold Silence

When God is in control, you can simply abide. This week, rest in the beauty of a quiet confidence that He simply is.

“The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Hab. 2:20).