Holding Fast to the Head

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Pete

While we know that it’s what we believe that counts, how wired are we to frequently follow-up by asking the question, “Yeah, but what shall I do?” Pretty wired, I’m thinking. The Colossians too, it would seem.

These believers in Jesus were in danger of being taken “captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition” (Col. 2:8) as they sought to figure out how to live for Jesus. There were those who would tell them it was about “food and drink” and about how they observed festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths (2:16). That it was also about self-denial, and supernatural experience (2:18). But at the end of the day, says Paul, no “to do” list, or “to don’t” list, was up to “stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (2:23) — nothing the flesh could do could stop whatever the flesh might want. Bottom line? “Self-made religion” (2:23), based on “human precepts and teachings” (2:22), were of “no value” (2:23).

Instead, what mattered the most is what these false proclaimers of piousness valued the least.

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

(Colossians 2:18-19 ESV)

Holding fast to the Head . . . that’s what I’m chewing on this morning . . . that’s what brings about a growth that is from God.

If we are not holding fast to the Head, then holiness is wholly on us. Thus, we need to be preoccupied with the details of our diet, the ways of our worship, and the correctness of our calendars in order to have any hope of measuring up. If rather than holding fast to the Head, we are self-reliant for righteousness, then we must “bow and scrape” (MSG) in hopes that our self-sacrifices will be sufficient. Without holding fast to the Head in order to not indulge the flesh, then we’re left to constantly trying to “check the boxes” in order to have any expectation of winning the prize when we finish the race.

But, if we are holding fast to the Head, then we rest in our union with Christ for our victory over the flesh. For the traditions concerning what we eat, where we celebrate, and what holy days we keep are just “a shadow of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” (2:17) — and because we are in Him, that substance is already ours. Our concern is not with how disciplined we can be in punishing the flesh, for we have already been baptized into Christ’s death so that, “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4). And so, we rest in the reality that whatever “to do” list is put before us, Christ has already “to done” it — it is finished!

Holding fast to the Head, as a member of His body. Abiding in the Vine (Jn. 15:5), as a branch bought by the blood. No longer living life on my own because I know that Christ lives in me, “and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). So that, just as “in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (1:19), I also can know that fullness because I “have been filled in Him” (2:10).

While there are certainly “to do’s” in the Christian life, my doing is founded in, and fueled by, the daily, mind-blowing truth of who I am in Christ. And my greatest “to do” is holding fast to the Head. Laying hold with a tight, two-fisted grip, of Him who has already laid hold of me.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Extreme Giving (2011 Remix)

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Pete

Kind of interesting to go back and read the following thoughts when, for many today, tithes are no longer given through the taking of a weekly offering, but more likely through the automated execution of a recurring online transaction. At our church, we’ve relatively recently decided to address that reality — the reality that online giving has, for most in our congregation, created a disconnect between our gathering and our generosity. So, because 90% of us are now giving through an app, we have added to our Sunday morning liturgy a time to pause, reflect, and thank God for the joy of generosity. Good move, I think.

As I noodle on these thoughts from 15 years ago, I’m grateful that we’ve taken a small step towards fostering the thrill of “extreme giving.”

I heard a sermon years ago on cassette tape (. . . tells you how many years ago . . . ). It was entitled “Legions of the Unjazzed.” The preacher used a surfing analogy to contrast the difference between the ho-hum Christianity of the “unjazzed” and the joy and excitement of the “jazzed”, those who know the thrill of “catching the big waves” as part of traveling this pilgrim path. He talked of the difference between the blandness of just going through the motions of “living for Christ” and the passion ignited when we do the same stuff with a heavenly perspective. And, as I hover over the latter part of Philippians 4 this morning, it occurs to me that the giving of my treasure (and my time and my talents) can also be an act of jazzed or unjazzed worship.

“Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”

(Philippians 4:16-18 ESV)

The Philippians had determined to support Paul financially. They were faithful to write the check (aka cheque). But notice the perspective Paul had on the gift he received. It was “fruit that increases to your credit” . . . it was “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Their gift was so much more than just going through the weekly routine of dropping an envelope into an offering bag . . . it was more than just reaching into their pocket and mindlessly dropping a couple of bucks onto the plate . . . instead, it was part of “catching the wave.”

Their gift was an investment. For every dollar they purposefully put in the offering, a greater deposit was being accrued to a heavenly account. Jesus called it “laying up treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). Paul would tell Timothy that “to be generous and ready to share” was to store up treasure “as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1Tim. 6:18). Doesn’t that sound like the language of the jazzed? How I give is part of laying hold of true life. Tithing was an Old Testament obligation . . . cheerfully giving an offering is an act reflective of the grace and gift we have received. And, let’s be clear, it’s not about the amount . . . it’s about the mindset. That which is accrued for us in heaven is not some factor or multiplier of every dollar we give away . . . the “interest” accrued for that day when we are with Him is determined by Him out of the abundance of His grace. Ours is to make the deposit . . . His is to give the increase.

Secondly, the gift is an act of worship. We use the phrase, “Take up the offering” . . . but how often do we really see it as an act of glorifying our God . . . of ascribing to Him immeasurable worth . . . of trying to express in some feeble way our love and awe of Him? I’ve often thought we lose something when we separate the offering from the singing during our Sunday morning meetings. If it were up to me, I’d be passing the plate in the middle of a song . . . I’d be sending around the bag or the bucket or the whatever while the sacrifice of praise is pouring out from our lips.

When’s the last time I wrote the cheque (aka check) and thought of it as a fragrant offering . . . an acceptable sacrifice . . . an aroma pleasing to God? Instead, it’s most often just fulfilling my “commitment” . . . or it’s just part of being faithful will “my little” or faithful with “my much” . . . it’s just being obedient as a good steward of that which God has blessed me with. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of those perspectives . . . they’re biblical . . . but, honestly, not much jazz factor there. But to pause just a moment before placing the envelope in the bag . . . to actively engage in the “let’s pray for the offering” part of the service and reflect on the sacrifice I’m about to make . . . that kind of takes it up a notch. To consider that it pleases God . . . hmmmm . . . that’s kind of exhilarating!

An investment in an account in the treasuries of heaven . . . an aromatic sacrifice ascending to heaven itself, pleasing to God. That’s catching the wave . . . that’s the way of the jazzed . . . that’s “extreme giving!”

By His grace for His glory.

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Casting Shade

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Pete

Met with a friend yesterday. He’s going through it. Through the gauntlet. Through the storm. Through the fire. The crucible burning hot, he’s intensely feeling some purifying heat. Maybe that’s why shade hits my radar so brightly this morning.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
       From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
       who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
       He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
       the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

(Psalm 121:1-6 ESV)

The LORD is your shade . . . That’s what I’m hovering over this morning.

This song is a song of ascents. A song for the trip up to Jerusalem. Lyrics to be sung while traveling the road to the place where the glory dwells. Part of a playlist for a journey filled with uncertainties, possibly even unforeseen dangers. And yet, a song of confidence that the trek begun will be the trek completed. A song to assure the pilgrim that he can keep on keepin’ on because the LORD is his keeper and because his helper is the LORD who made heaven and earth. A tune which testifies that even in the scorching heat of the day — or the withering temperatures of a crucible of testing — the LORD is your shade.

Casting shade. That’s what our God does.

While He may not remove the furnace, His abiding presence allows the pilgrim to endure the heat. Without necessarily cooling down the temperature, His presence brings not only respite but even refreshment and renewal. Even though the day may be anything but cool, if we walk with the LORD we’ll always walk in the cool of the day. The LORD is your shade . . .

What a song for the faithful, though perhaps weary, pilgrim who feels again the heat of another refining fire. What a reality for those who, by faith, sing to themselves, again and again, the LORD is my shade.

The LORD is your keeper;
       the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil;
       He will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in
       from this time forth and forevermore.

(Psalm 121:5-8 ESV)

Amen and amen.

By His grace. For His glory.

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At Hand or At Hand? Yes and Amen!

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Pete

Reading the first few verses in Philippians 4. Pretty familiar stuff so I’m pretty quick with the colored pencils to mark it up. Pretty quick with the dark-green colored pencil to highlight a reminder that Jesus is coming soon. But then something (Someone?) causes me to pause and ask myself, “Self, is Paul saying Jesus is at hand, or, that He is at hand?”

Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Philippians with seven, rapid-fire commands-to-obey. Rejoice always and rejoice again are the first two (4:4). Then Paul commands this body of believers to be gentle with everyone (4:5), anxious about nothing (4:6a), and to pray about everything (4:6b–7). He concludes with an exhortation to think about excellent things (4:8) and to put into practice all the things they had “learned and received and heard and seen” in Paul (4:9). And in the midst of this list of divine directives – as apparent fuel for the fire of obedience – is a not to be forgotten truth.

The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5b ESV)

Most other translations render it, The Lord is near. Philips says, “Never forget the nearness of your Lord.” And the NLT and The Message lay their interpretive cards on the table: “Remember, the Lord is coming soon”; “Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” (I’ll let you guess which is the NLT and which is the MSG).

And, as I read this phrase this morning, I immediately sided with the interpreters, underlining the phrase with my dark-green colored pencil. Jesus is coming soon. He is near. He is at hand.

Fair interpretation. Likely the most common interpretation. But not the only interpretation. For while it could be (and probably should be) read in a temporal sense, that Jesus’ return is closer now than ever before, it could also be read in a proximity sense, that Jesus is as close to me now – He is at hand – as He’s always been. At hand and near to me now because I am in Him.

That’s why I can rejoice always, because I rejoice in the Lord (4:4a). It’s how He promises to guard my heart and mind with a peace that passes all understanding, guarding it in Christ Jesus (4:7b).

In Him. In union with Christ. A branch abiding in the Vine (Jn. 15:5). The divine connection providing the power to do what He commands. The transcendent truth infusing the desire to obey. For just as the Son delights to do the Father’s will, so do I.

The Lord is at hand.

Out there and coming soon and very soon.

In here, through His Spirit, Christ living in me (Gal. 2:20).

At hand and coming soon? Or, at hand and ever present?

Yes!

And amen!

By His grace. For His glory.

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Retaining by Advancing (2019 Remix)

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Pete

For Paul there was no standing still. If he wasn’t moving forward, then he knew he was going backward. If he put it in neutral, he knew that was just reverse with an N on it. To be coasting was to be in danger of crashing. Status quo’ing? High risk of soon quitting. Good enough was gonna get worse. Autopilot would inevitably lead to atrophy. That’s how Paul seemed to think about doing life as a follower of Christ.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

(Philippians 3:13b-16 ESV)

Hold true to what we have attained . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

Living up to what we already know (CSB). Having gotten on the right track (MSG), staying in the right lane. Having made some progress (NLT), not letting it slip away. What we have attained, we need to retain.

At first, it might sound like a “hold your position” sort of posture. But in the context, isn’t Paul saying that retaining is actually accomplished by advancing? That we hold fast by straining forward? That we keep whatever ground we’ve taken by pressing on toward the goal ahead?

That’s what Paul seems to be thinkin’. And, he says, we should be thinkin’ it too.

Let those of us who are mature think this way.

Retaining by advancing is just smart thinking for those with spiritual understanding.

Makes sense that if you know you’re going to wake up every morning in enemy territory, then whatever spoils of victory you’ve accumulated to date are in danger of being taken back unless you engage afresh in the conflict.

Every morning we rise, we know the desires of the flesh in us are going to wage war against the Spirit of God in us (Gal. 5:16-17). Every day we venture out into the world we know there will be a battle for the mind. And to be sure, to walk another day down the pilgrim’s pathway is to be aware that there’s an adversary prowling around like a roaring lion “seeking someone to devour” (1Pet. 5:8).

And so, we need to forget about what lies behind, the ground we’ve gained, and strain forward to what lies ahead. To press on to the goal for the prize of the upward call. We need to remember that, in order to hold on to what we’ve attained, we need to keep advancing.

Oh, that we’d be protected from a “good enough”, or “far enough”, or “know enough”, or “done enough” attitude when it comes to seeking first the kingdom. That we wouldn’t rest on where we’ve been. Because to do so, is to end up where we thought we’d never go.

Pressing on isn’t complex. Keep engaging the living word. Keep conversing with the living God. Keep abiding in the living Savior. Keep communing with other living stones (1Pet. 2:5) — those with whom you are joined together and growing into a holy temple (Eph. 2:21). Not complex, but it requires intentional effort. “Straining forward” effort. “Pressing on” effort. God enabled effort.

No such thing as a neutral gear in the Christian life. It’s either put ‘er in drive or we’ll end up going in reverse.

We hold on to what we have, by His grace, only as we seek to advance, for His glory.

Amen?

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A 5-Star Rating

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Pete

Consumer reviews, they’ve become a pretty big deal in today’s world. Someone else’s experience with something we’re interested in is often the first thing we’ll check out. There’s a place to find reviews for almost every imaginable product or service. Whether it’s Google or Yelp, Amazon or Tripadvisor, we go there looking for stars, ideally 5 stars. “How many stars?” is what we want to know, ’cause it’s a solid predictor of customer satisfaction or product quality. The more stars, the better. 5 Stars and you’re feeling pretty good that the service, product, or business is top-tier and that taking a chance on it is a prudent choice. This morning I’m chewing on a divine 5-star rating.

Your promise is well tried,
       and Your servant loves it. (Psalm 119:140 ESV)

Well tried . . . those are the words that caught my attention.

Literally, it’s well refined. Well smelted. Thus, well tested. And something that is well refined is something that’s pure. Hence, why some translations render this, Your promise is very pure.

But the ESV’s rendering struck me this morning less as a quality review and more as a dependability review. The songwriter had tested God’s promise again and again, it was well tried, and he loved it! 5-stars!

You journey through Psalm 119 and, while the focus is the word of God, it tells the story of how the Word proved itself over and over as the psalmist faced enemies and trials and his own testing. So much so, that even when “trouble and anguish had found me out” the word of God was still his delight (v.143), “righteous forever” and the way of life (v. 144). God’s promise was well tried.

Able to be well tried because it is our “go to” repeatedly. For example, experiencing “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding” (Php. 4:6-7) isn’t a one-and-done thing. No, that’s a promise that is well tried in every storm and amidst clouds of confusion and waves of worry. Every time we experience storms, cloulds, and waves we can know the provision of supernatural, circumstance-transcending peace — again and again, over and over. That’s a promise which is well tried. And I love it! 5-stars.

The promise of mercies new every morning (Lam.3:22-23) is a heads up that we are going to enter seasons when we need mercies new every morning, when we need to experience God’s never-ceasing faithfulness and steadfast love. Persistent “thorns in the flesh” are going to try the assurance that His grace really is sufficient and that His power really is “made perfect” in our weakness (2Cor. 12:9). And they’ll require us to go to that promise over and over, again and again. So that, we too, can bear witness, Your promise is well tried and Your servant loves it!

5 stars!

By His grace. For His glory.

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Which is Yours

Posted on June 16, 2026 by Pete

Traveling again this week. This time in the mountains of Colorado. Again hanging with some pretty impressive pastors. These a little less rural, a bit more suburban, but with the same passion to go and make disciples. So, finding limited time to keyboard some thoughts. This morning, however, feeling like I need to get a few thoughts down. I am a bit overwhelmed by a fresh reminder from Paul of something “which is yours.”

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

(Philippians 2:3-7 ESV)

Which is yours in Christ Jesus . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

The rendering looks to be unique to the ESV. Other translations render the exhortation as “have the same mind” or “have the same attitude.” But the consideration that this mind is already mine, adds a whole new dimension to this command-to-obey.

Mine isn’t to manufacture some super level of of humility, the likes of which is beyond my fallen nature to create or sustain. I can’t power my way to a life characterized by looking to other’s interests above my own. Mine isn’t to “develop” this mind, it is to “have this mind” and let this mind have its way. The mind which is yours in Christ Jesus.

O’ blessed union with Christ. His mind, my mind!

To be sure, there’s a lot of other stuff in my mind that wars against His. And not in just my mind, but in my body, and soul, and spirit, as well. Yet, this mind of Him who took upon Himself the form of a servant “is yours.” And so, I can direct myself towards it, submit myself to it, and, through His power within me, be transformed by it — this mind which is yours in Christ Jesus.

In Christ Jesus . . . no place I’d rather be this morning . . . or any other morning.

This mind . . . no mind I’d aspire for more than the mind of the One who emptied Himself for me.

Father, keep me from selfish ambition and conceit. Let the mind of Christ — now my mind because I am in Christ Jesus — be an increasingly predominant mind.

Only by Your grace. Only for Your glory.

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A Thin Silence (2020 Remix)

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Pete

The LORD was not in the great and strong wind that pulverized the rocks. Nor was He in the quake that shook the ground. And though you couldn’t take your eyes off the blazing fire, the LORD wasn’t in that either. Thinking this morning how sometimes what we need is to hear the sound of a thin silence.

Hovering over the story of God tending to the depressed prophet. Elijah had hit them with his best shot (1Kings 18) and had nothing to show for it; nothing had changed. And though I can’t identify with Elijah’s prayer to “take away my life”, his words, “It is enough!” seem to resonate. I’m tired. It’s time to tap out. Let’s call it a day, shall we? Can’t we just go home?

That Elijah was done, is pretty evident. That the prophet of God who defeated the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah was spent is pretty clear. To say that he “lost courage” after Jezebel put out a hit on him would be an understatement. And so, he runs. And so, God intervenes. And so, he ends up at the mount of God at Horeb, Sinai. And there he holes up in a cave.

And there, God asks the kind of penetrating question that God is prone to ask. In the garden, the LORD God called to the man and asked, “Where are you?” Here, on the mount, the searching, seeking God of His people asks the weary prophet, “What are you doing here?” (19:9).

Elijah, you’ve come to the place where the bush once burned without being consumed. You’re standing on the holy ground that compels men to put off their sandals. I have thundered on this mountain before. From here I have revealed my will and my ways for my people. So, what are you doing here? Why the cave? What do you want?

And, as is often the case with all of us, Elijah, the man “subject to like passions as we are” (James 5:17 KJV), can’t help but focus on himself. The world around him has descended into chaos and Elijah boils it down to, “I, even I only, am left.”

And God knows just what His weary messenger needs.

And He said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, . . .

(1Kings 19:11a ESV)

Stand on the mountain before Yahweh. Post up before the LORD’s presence. Firmly plant your feet, fix your eyes, open your ears, and behold anew My glory.

Thinking that’s what you need sometimes amidst the overwhelming chaos. A fresh intake of God’s glory. And where does it come from?

And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.

(1Kings 19:11b-12 ESV)

The sound of a low whisper. Three words in the original, literally a “voice still small.” Or, as the rendering in my margin reads, a thin silence.

A thin silence, sometimes that’s what is needed amidst the cacophony of the chaos around us. Needing God’s still small voice when we feel victimized. Waiting on the whisper of God when we’re feeling waylaid by life. Hearing afresh His quiet call as, in our quiet place, we open and read His word.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

A thin silence . . .

By Your grace, Lord, show me again Your glory.

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Stories of Affliction

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Pete

I was away last week at a conference with a bunch of pastors and their families. Wednesday afternoon was “free time”, so me and a friend and a “new friend” checked out Pebble Beach, Carmel by the Sea, and Cannery Row in Monterey, CA. Some good sight seeing, some amazing white sand, and some wonderful food made for a great few hours together. And, as happens with “new friends”, during the afternoon we found ourselves telling our stories. And as good pastors are prone to do, probing questions were asked. One of which took me down a path that was, frankly, still kind of painful. That conversation came to mind as I read in the Psalms this morning.

Your hands have made and fashioned me;
       give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.
Those who fear You shall see me and rejoice,
       because I have hoped in Your word.
I know, O LORD, that Your rules are righteous,
       and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
Let Your steadfast love comfort me
       according to Your promise to Your servant.

(Psalm 119:73-76 ESV)

Your hands have made and fashioned me . . . You have afflicted me . . . Let Your steadfast love comfort me . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

I don’t think we’re meant to forgive and forget. Forgive? For sure. Forget? I’m not so certain. Though Jesus forgave, though ascended to the right hand of power, forever He will be recognized as “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” and worshiped as “the Lamb who was slain” (Rev. 5:8, 12). The scars forever a part of His story. Us too, I think. Though we forgive, trauma will always be part of our tale to be told.

But it should be more than just a saga of sorrow. It should be the story of a God who made me, a God who afflicted me, and a God whose steadfast love comforted me. Comforted me then and continues to comfort me now.

As was the case with my “new friend”, though telling the story stirred embers of hurt and bitterness, it also reminded me that a sovereign God is ultimately the Author of all our stories of affliction so that He might work the perfect work of forming Christ in us — that “we may share His holiness” and know “the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:10-11). And in feeling the affliction afresh, so too we know afresh the unfailing comfort of His steadfast love.

Our stories — even our stories of affliction — are our stories. Sourced in the faithfulness of the One who created us. Founded that we might experience the reality of His steadfast love. Remembered that we might know the unfailing love of God continually.

This too, by His grace and for His glory.

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40,000 Horses

Posted on May 28, 2026 by Pete

For those who know something of the life of Solomon, if asked, “When did things start to ‘go south’ for this wisest and most impressive of all Israel’s king”, the answer is likely to be, “When he started marrying ‘foreign women’ — like 700 princesses and 300 concubines” (1Kings 11:1-3). A thousand wives! Talk about a complex “honey do” list!

But before 1,000 wives, there were 40,000 horses.

Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. . . . And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon. Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen.

(1Kings 4:20-21, 25-26 ESV)

40,000 horses . . . that’s what catches my attention. It’s what always catches my attention when I read these chapters in 1 Kings. Not that it’s simply an impressive stat (though it is), but that it is a foreboding signal of something going askew. Even for the wisest guy in the world.

“You may indeed set a king over you whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. Only he must not acquire many horses for himself . . .”

(Deuteronomy 17:15-16a ESV)

Hold your horses. That was God’s command to the future king the people would want ruling over them. But Solomon didn’t.

Amidst what is, for the most part, a glowing report of the governing structure Solomon created and the good life lived by his people, and plopped right in the middle of the repeated reminders that “God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure” (1Kings 4:29, 30, 31, 34; 5:7, 5:12), there is this little fact of full, full stalls. While — at least during the beginning of his reign — we might want to see Solomon as a hero, we need to come to grips with all these horses.

Chosen by God. Visited by God. Blessed by God with wisdom beyond wisdom. And yet, we have this indicator that, at least in some areas, Solomon was not fully obeying God.

And as I noodle on this, I’m reminded that the Bible isn’t meant to be read as a bunch of stories of great heroes but is instead one story of a great redemption. Who needs this story? We all need this story. Even the wisest ruler to have ever lived. Even the guy who had an encounter of the divine kind, the guy given wisdom from heaven itself. The guy who eventually bought 1,000 wedding rings. The guy who started down the slippery slope by first collecting 40,000 horses.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 ESV)

Sure, God will accomplish His purposes even through sinners. He will endow with great talents even transgressors. Lavishing wisdom even upon lawbreakers. But thank God that eternity is not left up to how well we perform. Instead, it is found in believing that I need the finished work of a substitutionary sacrifice and in the reality of a risen Savior and an empty tomb.

Thank God we can all have a part in this grand story of a great redemption. Amen?

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.

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