Author: Christine Wyrtzen

MAKING OURSELVES A NAME

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves.  Genesis 11:4

         How small God must have been.  Solidarity was created among the peoples of this region to think that they could build a tower tall enough to reach into the heavens and, in the process, make a name for themselves that had nothing to do with God.  It was ridiculous and yet nothing has changed.  Our small worlds are full of those who are feverishly building a kingdom to impress, one where God is ignored, one that will give them a name that inspires awe.

         People were never meant to be the objects of another’s worship.  We are to be worshippers.  We were never meant to make a name for ourselves.  God offers us His name instead.  Why would I possibly want another?

         The real tragedy is when people in ministry try to build towers that offer them fame.  Feeling small, they devise their own source of healing. All the while, the names God has given them, as His child, are all they need to stand tall.  Yet, their quest for identity remains earthbound.

         In the 1980’s, when my quest for significance consumed me, I began to put some pieces together about identity and where it comes from.  I wrote this song for me, and for my children, that would allow the things God calls us to wash over our souls.  Anytime we felt weak or insignificant, we could sing it.  Over the years, I have recorded it at different times but I have found that there are days I really need to hear it again.  Earth is an orphanage and reduces one’s sense of worth.  The only remedy is God whispering these truths in our ears.

GOD GAVE ME HIS NAME

Looking down at the ground

Shadows around me are all I see

They accuse and abuse

Stealing my value, whispering lies to me.

CHORUS

I am a light; I am His bride

An heir to His kingdom; His cross at my side

I am His friend; A daughter and saint

Anointed with love, and mercy and grace

I will stand tall and carry no shame

When I remember God gave me His name.

(To hear the song, click here.)

CURSING GENERATIONS

When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”  Genesis 9:24-25

         Noah is remembered for building the ark but perhaps his greatest moment was the pronouncement of this curse over Ham’s descendants.  Just 24 hours earlier, he had been drunk with wine.  At this moment, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

         The curse was not made against Ham, per se, the one who had reveled in his father’s nakedness.  The curse was against Ham’s youngest son who, it is believed, already exhibited some of the same sinful bents of his father.  The sins of the fathers were being visited on the next generation. Ham sinned as a son and was punished in the moral decay of his own youngest son.

         Noah was God’s mouthpiece in predicting the future profile of Canaan’s descendants.  They would indeed be vile people, the ones the Israelites would have to conquer as they entered the Promised Land.  Their morality would be like Ham’s sinful bent, only far more exaggerated.  Their sin would reach its height during Abraham’s time.

         Sometimes, when all I see is a seed of sinfulness, I can tell myself I’m overreacting to be concerned.  I am not!  Seeds bear fruit.  Nothing stays neutral within family lines.  It may take several hundred years to see the full effect of unrighteousness.  I cannot be fooled by the appearance of something small and seemingly insignificant.  A seed of unrighteousness should send me to my knees whether that seed is in me or in someone close to me.  One thing is sure; God instituted a sowing and reaping world.  Seeds mature and bear fruit.  Nothing stays neutral.

         A toddler struggles with lying.  He grows up.  As a young man in business, he is crafty and manipulative.  Years later, as an old man, he is in full moral decay and bears the shame of disrespect.  A lifetime of deceit will have borne its fruit.  It will be said, “I can’t trust a word he says.”

         One of John Piper’s most famous sermons from Romans is called, “Kill Your Sin!”  He is animated, agitated, and passionate about taking the word of God and plunging it into my own sin, even young sin that has not progressed very far.  Yet!

         “Be hard on sin,” Noah would tell me today.  Oh, but for the grace of God could our inheritance be the likes of Canaanites!

Help me love Your Word more and hate my sin more.  Amen

HOW DO I HANDLE MY PARENT’S SIN?

And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.   Genesis 9:22-23

   Noah was drunk.  In his compromised condition, he stripped and lay naked in his tent, fully exposed.  Ham went in and looked upon his father, took in the scene in way that was immoral, and went to report it to his brothers.  It wasn’t that Ham just glanced and left.  Several translations present a Hebraic picture of looking upon someone with lust and desire, and then relishing the exposure.  Noah’s two other sons, after hearing, approached their father with their backs turned toward him and covered up his nakedness.

   There can be something evil bent in the heart of a child to glory in a father’s or mother’s weakness.  If the parent has been a poor one and there is unresolved hurt, a child, no matter what age, can rejoice when the power and grandeur of a parent begins to crumble.  The need for revenge takes over to party over their sin.  Though I am surprised that Ham, after being saved from worldwide destruction by the faith of his father, is not more humbled and reverent!

   I have no idea what Ham’s issue with his father was but at that moment, his own heart was revealed.  Noah had not been a perfect father and leader but he had been righteous.  Like David, he had a heart bent toward faith and had proven it over a century.

   Honoring parents is one of the conditional foundational requirements for God’s blessing.  He instituted the family and for anything to pollute the beauty of the relationships is to hurt the heart of the Creator.  Nothing is more tragic than parents who won’t forgive children and children who won’t forgive parents.

   In a particular movie from a few years back, I remember a line that struck me.  A son in his forties is having a heated discussion with his mother.  He raises his voice to make a point.  The mother says, “Son, who taught you to be this cruel?”  His answer, “You did, mother.  You did!”  In this hotbed of anger, each is looking for the vulnerability of the other to rise up and strike.

   Parents aren’t perfect.  Some try their best and fail.  Others don’t care and fail.  Should all parents be forgiven?  Yes.  To fail to forgive is to hurt, not only the parent but the ones who carry the anger.  I realize today that I teach my children how to treat me by how they hear me talk of my own parents.  Respect and honor are godly legacies I can pass on.  Disrespect and dishonor can just as easily become hallmarks of family trees.

Your forgiveness covered my sins.  How grateful am I?  Can I not, in remembrance of Your mercy, cover my parent’s shortcomings?  Drive the point home.  Amen

COASTING

Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard.  He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.  Genesis 9:20-21

         Wine is spoken of favorably in scripture.  God asked for wine to be used as an offering in the book of Numbers.   But like anything, when it is consumed in excess, clear and sound thinking is compromised.

         Noah coasted for just a moment.  While he is recounted as a righteous man in the hallmark chapter of the bible, he was not perfect.  (Nor is anyone else mentioned in Hebrews 11.)  Noah had passed God’s great test of obedience by faithfully building the ark for 120 years.  He withstood the emotional and spiritual challenges of leading his family while hearing the earth destroyed.  Now, the flood is behind him.  The storm has passed and earth is a friendly place to live.  Coasting is never a wise posture because vigilance is laid aside.

         For a moment, he laid his judgment aside and drank too much.  He stripped himself bare, exposed what he never would have thought of exposing while sober, and succumbed to shame.  His judgment was suspended while under the intoxicating effects of alcohol.

         Some years ago, Jaime and I were at a major airport about to board a plane.   At the gate, we stood in line behind our pilot and crew who were checking in with the gate agent.  The smell of alcohol was overwhelming.  Being a peace-loving person, I was not anxious to have to do something about the situation but it became apparent that over 300 people were boarding an aircraft, in bad weather, about to fly cross-country with a severely compromised pilot.  I finally spoke to the gate agent who pacified me and offered to do nothing.  I asked for a supervisor, then another, then another.  Now, Jaime and I are the only ones who have not boarded and the plane is delayed.  Finally, the last supervisor went on the aircraft and walked off with the pilot in question.  He approached us, reeking now of cologne, and lamented that we would think he might have been drinking while on duty.  Hating to be in that position, I was required to speak up.  I stood my ground, told him that I had indeed smelled alcohol.  I assured him that we would be boarding the plane but praying for him throughout the flight – that God would override his impaired judgment.

         All this is a reminder this morning that any addiction, even to something supposedly good and God-given, becomes an impairment.  Nakedness and exposure are the result.  Under the influence, how many secrets are revealed!  Never am I more vulnerable than after weathering a storm, after a spiritual victory. 

Coasting is for heaven, Lord, not here.  Make me ever vigilant on enemy territory.  Amen

IS IT WRONG TO ASK FOR A SIGN?

         And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.  Genesis 9:12-13

         Most anytime a believer talks about God giving a sign, or asking God for a sign, it is inferred that signs are unpleasing to God.  I had a discussion about this yesterday with Jaime.  We were celebrating the times God had given signs to us in the ministry after asking Him to confirm a decision we had made that we felt was right.  We said to each other, yet again, how gracious God is to give signs to those who are wanting to walk in His paths.

         Today’s story is another confirmation that God is a sign-giving God.  Most every Biblical covenant has been confirmed by some visual symbol.  The Abrahamic covenant included circumcision, the Mosaic covenant had the Sabbath, and the new covenant had the Lord’s Supper.  God made a covenant with Noah by setting a rainbow in the clouds.

         “But wait!” you might say.  “What about Jesus words in Matthew where he says that only an evil and adulterous generations seeks for a sign.  Then He called them wicked and perverse.”  That whole account was characterized by rebellion and unbelief.  Jesus was the sign.  Yet, they rejected Him.  In their denial of the truth, they asked for another sign.  This was an affront to God the Father.

         If I love Christ and walk obediently in His ways, I will encounter times when I’ve prayed about a critical decision but am just unsure which way to go.  In that instance, I ask for a sign, or a series of signposts, where God shows me that I’m on the right, or wrong, path.  My experience is that He is very eager to give markers.  He wants me to get it right.  He applauds my obedience and celebrates that I care about making a righteous decision.  Why wouldn’t a good Father show me the way?!

You took the Moses by the hand and gave him, and Your children, signs along their journey.  Thank you for being willing to lead me as you did Moses.  Amen

THE DIFFERENCE ONE SACRIFICE MAKES

And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done.   Genesis 8:22

            What changed from the time before the flood to the time after the flood?  Not much as far as sin goes.  Judgment hadn’t take away the sin nature of man.  The family who exited the ark was just as sinful, by nature, as the families who had been destroyed in the flood.  Judgment had not changed individual hearts.  So why was God making a beautiful promise to Noah if he and his descendants were going to sin again?

            Because he offered a sacrifice to atone for his sins.  Oh, the difference one sacrifice makes.  Those who perished in the floodwaters were stiff-necked.  They refused to see their sin and make atonement for it.  Noah recognized his sin and recognized his need to offer a sacrifice.  Mercy and the promise of blessing was God’s response.

            When no atonement has been applied to mankind, eternal judgment is the end result.  When there is a Savior, and a man or woman acknowledges their sin and embraces the atonement He offers, judgment is withheld.  Mercy appears.  Sin’s debt is paid.  The promises of God are in full effect.

            Atonement has always had an aroma that affects God.  It causes a visceral reaction inside of Him.  When Christ died as the ultimate and final atonement for my sin, God breathed in the powerful fragrance yet again.  “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  Eph. 5:2   When Jesus breathed His last, God tore the veil in the temple and drew near to be intimate to those who would embrace His Son as their Savior.  Then He extended mercy.  Judgment was removed.

            As if anything could supersede the beauty of previous story, there is one more piece that brings me joy.  Does God still smell the aroma of a sacrifice?  Yes.  It’s not from an animal.  It’s not even ‘just’ from Christ.  The aroma is coming from you and me.  “For we are the aroma of Christ to God.”  2 Cor. 2:15   The pleasure experienced by God is enhanced when, daily, I offer my life as a continual sacrifice to Him.  I am the aroma of Christ not only because I made Him my Savior but because I am passionate to think like Him, love like Him, live like Him, and rule with Him.

When you look at me, you don’t see my sin.  I am dead to sin and alive to You.  Because of Your mercy, You breathe deeply when I am in Your presence and feel nothing but pleasure.  Amen

THE FIRST ACT OF NOAH

Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.  Genesis 8:20

         What was Noah’s reaction to mercy?  The first moment his feet stepped off the ark, he built an altar and offered burnt offerings.  It wasn’t like he had plenty of each kind of animal either.  He had pairs of each, that’s all.  Yet, he didn’t think twice at offering half of his food supply to the Lord in response to God’s salvation of him and his family.  Mercy understood equals generosity expressed. 

         My offerings to God are a barometer of how much I believe God has been merciful to me.  If I really understand that I’ve been snatched from the fire, won’t I give everything?  Expressions like, “I can’t afford to give that much while times are hard!” will be obsolete.  Especially in light of the fact that when we give, God promises us increased blessing!

         The greatest thing I can lay on the altar is not a sacrifice for my sin.  While Noah had to offer atonement for the sins of he and his family, Jesus came and laid on the altar for us.  In response to such love and sacrifice, my offering to God is not the blood of an unblemished animal but my life. 

I lay my life on the altar.  Take it all.  Not just a token act of service on a certain weekday.  All of it, Lord.  Your mercy, and your grace, came kicking down the door to rescue me.  I know it and spend my life to show you my gratitude.  Amen

FORCING THINGS TO WORK

Then God said to Noah, “Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you.”  Genesis 8:16

         God shut the door to the ark, bringing finality to Noah’s time on land.  When he put his feet on solid ground again, it would be on a new and pristine planet.  After 100+ days in the ark, I can imagine that everyone on board was antsy to get off.

         I’m one who gets motion sickness easily but I will also tell you that I’ve been on violent seas.  In my early twenties, the singing group that I was part of went on a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season.  We encountered very rough seas.  To sing in the ballroom for our Bible Study sessions, each of us in the group had to clutch a pillar in order to stand up while singing.  To say that I was eager to get off the ship is an understatement.

         As anxious as Noah was to exit the ark, he knew to wait for God to release him.  To leave the safety of his wooden haven was to risk living on an earth that wasn’t ready for habitation.  The seeds he would plant there wouldn’t encounter proper growing conditions.

         There is not much of a harvest when it is forced.  Only God can prepare the ground for the seed.  I have known the frustration of trying to make things happen on my own.  I produced one Ishmael after another.  Utter frustration was the result.  Getting older has taught me to wait for God to till the soil and release me from present confinement.

         Someone wants to be a truth teller to a family member today.  The seed will not be received if God has not prepared the soil of their heart.  Another wants to step out of a stressful place and start fresh by forcing circumstances to work.  A heavenly rhythm will not accompany their efforts and striving will bring exhaustion and futility.  Still someone else wants to implement a God-given vision that has been simmering for years.  Tired of waiting, they will bring their vision to a people not ready to understand it nor recognize its source as God.  Mis-judgment will result, bringing pain and rejection.

         We must not leave the ark of safety until there is obvious release.  God is a gracious Father who will speak clearly and give many confirmations that it’s time to move.

Oh how I’ve learned the hard way.  Striving is not your way.  If the axe falls at just the right part in the grain of wood, without effort, the wood will split.  Show me holy rhythm and timing.  Amen

GRADUAL RESTORATION

The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated.  Genesis 8:2-3

         Waters didn’t cover the earth in a day nor did God cause them to recede in a day.  God sent a wind, the wind of His Spirit, to blow over the earth.  The same breath that had been active in creation was now active in re-creation.

         As anxious as Noah and his family were to place their feet on dry ground, the preparation of a new life took place gradually and at a pace much slower than they would have chosen.

         I once recall meeting the husband of a woman who had been ritually abused throughout her childhood.  Her emotional and psychological damage was profound.  He loved her, ached for her healing, and believed that God would completely rid her (one day at their church altar) of all her painful memories and the scars that accompanied them.  He lived for the day when she would go forward, kneel, and arise strong and free. She would no longer be able to recollect her painful childhood.  I voiced to him my concern over, what I believe, were false hopes.  I urged him to remember that God heals but He does so gradually.

         Times of captivity never happen overnight. A series of choices precede the wilderness.   If God just healed the past in one fell swoop, I would not have the opportunity to learn wisdom.  Dismantling the cage, one bar at a time, has great benefits.  In the disassembly, God gives wisdom about each piece.  He delights to see me discover the truths He knows will bring freedom.

         Are you straining under the hand of God’s sovereignty?  Are you longing for a new morning, one where yesterday’s agony just disappears?  Adjust your expectations.  Know that God heals incrementally.  He sends the wind of His Spirit.  It blows across the soul and brings divine insight.  Over time, re-creation occurs and a solid mental and emotional framework is built to stand the test of time.  The new spiritual landscape will appear as Noah’s new earth; a fruitful place to live on the treasures God gave in the darkness.

Captivity would be worthless if I never learned anything.  Thank you for leading me out of my wilderness one revelation at a time.  Amen

NOT ONE INCH TOO MUCH

The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. Genesis 7:20

         If God decides to cover the entire earth with water, thousands and thousands of feet of water, enough to cover the likes of Mt. Everest, what does a few inches matter?  Apparently a lot.  God knew exactly how much water He would allow and no more.

         Once the water reached the mountaintops, twenty-two and a half feet more were allowed, just enough to make sure the ark didn’t collide with something underwater.  Just enough to keep it from grounding.  This is not a meaningless detail.  I serve a God of precision, a God who orders all things well in my life, down to increments of inches.  He controls the floods down to the last water drop.  He controls disease on a cellular level.  He holds the king’s heart in his hands and can bend his will without effort.

         Life is one series of temptations.  I will face periods where it feels like I’m going to drown in the floodwaters.  Temptations to fear, to distrust God, to chuck my faith, to quit waiting on God and just embrace the counterfeit, these will appeal to me.  But God knows how much pressure to allow in order to grow my faith.  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Cor. 10:13

         Floodwaters make a man’s heart faint.  But God created me and knows the exact breaking point of my faith.  He knows how far it will bend before it snaps.  The One who covered the mountains with twenty-two inches of water is also micro-managing my life with a power to save, preserve, and cause me to triumph in the love of God.

Don’t let me forget that though I hear the sound of floodwaters, I’m in You, Jesus, my Ark of safety.  You are taking me safely home.  Amen