It was a place I could have stayed forever. How many times I have found such campsites! Place so beautiful it gave a man the wistfuls to see or to think back on. So many times we said, ‘We’ve got to come back some time!’ an’ knowin’ all the while we never would.”
–Louis L’Amour (Lonely On the Mountain)
“So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.”
–Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NKJV)
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It ain’t never the same. I’ve used the above quotation before, and relate to it. How many times have I sat by a campfire thinking, “Ah, ain’t this the life.” I’ve viewed vistas and the far horizons. But will I make it back to them? No. Even if I did they would have changed. It used to be so much fun to just go off into the mountains along a stream and camp. Very few places where a person can do that anymore. People have come.
But it also makes me think of what I wrote yesterday. Selah! When I think of some of the things I’ve seen and experienced I wonder if I shouldn’t have stopped and had a brief interlude and wondered at it. The times I have seen a thunderbolt travel across the sky and heard the thunder crashing. Selah–the awesome power of God is more powerful and magnificent than that. When I’ve seen a trout leap out of water for a fly on a high mountain lake. Selah–the wonders of God’s creation.
I think of the times I’ve called for Annie to come look at this, or while driving I’ll exclaim for her to look at that. Selah. The times she has called me to do the same. Selah It is a break from our normal routine. Something has happened, something has stood out enough to call our attention to it. We get so caught up in careers, making money, paying bills that we don’t see; we don’t listen. We don’t bother. Instead we try to make up our own interludes with entertainment, concerts, sports; we don’t sit back and take a break.
If this is true in our daily lives, how much more true is it in our spiritual lives? How many times has God whispered “Selah” to us and we don’t hear Him, or we don’t heed Him? When He speaks, when He shows us something in the Word we often are too busy with “something.” Selah–stop and listen, stop and think, stop and wonder. The devil cracks a smile, for he wants us to stay away from thinking about the Lord. “Stay busy,” he cries, while often the Lord is wanting us to say “Wow” at something He has done for us.
I really enjoy sitting on my back deck in the morning doing my devotions. I promised myself many years ago not to miss any sunrises as so much is taking place at that time. I sit on the deck watching first the graylight, then the glow of morning light with its colors. The birds may be chirping, the squirrels running through the limps of the trees, deer walking quietly, and often the sound of the crow. Sometimes I stop–marvel, look, and listen–Selah. I never thought of it that way before.
Selah
Author: Ira Paine
Echoes From the Campfire
A man…should be like iron, not steel. If steel is heated too much it become brittle and it will break, while iron has great strength. Yet it can be shaped and changed by the proper hammering and the right amount of heat. A good man is like that.”
–Louis L’Amour (The Iron Marshal)
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
–Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)
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I took a break in our study of the Psalms because of Memorial Day. Today, I want to call your attention to a term used several times–“Selah.” This word is used seventy-four times in the Bible, with seventy-one of those times in the book of Psalms. The other three instances are in the book of Habakkuk.
Look at the following verses, don’t just ponder, but deeply contemplate (HCSB is used).
“I cry aloud to the LORD, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah” –Psalm 3:4
“Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah” –Psalm 24:10
“You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah” –Psalm 39:5
“LORD God of Hosts, You are the God of Israel, rise up to punish all the nations; do not show grace to any wicked traitors. Selah” –Psalm 59:5
“I spread out my hands to You; I am like parched land before You. Selah” –Psalm 143:6
For years I was told and thought that this word was similar to the term “Amen” or “so be it.” And it could well be, for no one knows exactly what it means. It seems to be an interlude of some sort since the Psalms were sung. A time when the music would stop and individuals would pray and inventory their lives in regard to the words.
Some believe that the word means “Forever,” but whatever the meaning it is a term of exhortation and a term used meaning to pause and think. The editors of the HCSB state this in regard to “Selah”.
1) a musical notation
2) a pause for silence
3) a signal for worshipers to fall prostrate on the ground
4) a term for the worshipers to call out
5) a word meaning forever
For sure it is a pause. A time when there needs to be reflection and contemplation. Perhaps it would be well if we took time to look at our own lives, as most likely David did when he was writing. I like what William Peterson says, “We all need interludes in our life. We need to let the music go on without us. We need to take breaks from the routine in order to meditate on what God has for us this day.”
Go back and read the Psalms above, stop and reflect and contemplate on what is being said, then shout out, “Forever!”, or “Amen!”, or “Wow, think of that!”. It is so hard for us to take in the majesty and greatness of God in His attributes. We can’t possibly take in the fullness of the universe, and God is so much larger than that. No wonder they just stopped for an “interlude” and either bowed and whispered “Selah” or gave a hardy shout, “SELAH!”
“Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the joy of what thou art,
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart… .
Yes, I rest in thee, Lord Jesus, for I know what grace is thine.
And I trust in what you’ve promised, and have made it mine.”
–Jean S. Pigott
The Saga of Miles Forrest
Come on, Newsome, spit it out!” I admonished him. I wondered what Jewelene, his wife, saw in him. I reckoned he was a good man, provided for her, but my mercy, he was about as solid as milquetoast.
He looked as if he were about to choke with that tight collar he was wearing. “Wilson and I were thinking, that maybe…” He was interrupted by the approach of Judge Klaser coming through the doorway.
Charlie saw him first, and raised his voice a little to get everyone’s attention. “Pull up a chair for the Honorable Judge Vernon T. Klaser,” he said in a joking spirit.
The judge glanced at Charlie, “Thank you, Sheriff. Well, well, I’ve everybody here that I need to see.”
As he was seating himself I got up to get him a cup of coffee and placed it in front of him on the table. “Judge,” inquired Molly, “would you like a piece of pie?”
“No, no thank you, Mrs. Forrest, but I could use a bit of honey for the coffee, if you don’t mind,” he gave in reply.
Molly smiled, “Sure Judge.” She started to get up, but Marta informed her that she would get it.
I had refilled my cup, and was sipping at it waiting to hear what the Judge had to say. Marta brought the honey and we all were watching to see how much of it he would use. He poured a spoon full then put it in the coffee and began to stir. After banging the spoon a couple of times against the top of the cup, he took a sip.
“Miles, I’ve heard you arrested Martin Olson on attempted murder?” asked the Judge.
“That’s…”
I didn’t get any further when Newsome blurted out, “That’s why Wilson and I are here. We think Martin should be released.”
Judge Klaser held up his hand to stop Newsome. “Do you have evidence?”
“I have an affidavit signed by Oswald Dierker, the witness of Sheriff Charlie Gold, and my personal word,” I stated in no uncertain terms.
The Judge looked at Newsome, “Why in the world would you want Olson released with this evidence?”
“Well, uh, we, that is, Wilson and I talked with Martin and he promised…”
Charlie slammed his hand on the table. “When did you see Olson?” he asked glaring at John Newsome.
“We, well, uh, ah, we went in your office when you, ah, when Forrest was shooting at Marshal McCall,” he answered nervously.
“Hold it right there, Mr. Newsome,” ordered the Judge. “You are already getting into legal difficulties. You are interfering with a federal investigation of an attempted murder of a U.S. Marshal, and now are hinting at taking possible bribes by listening to promises.” He stopped then looked at the two men. “Right now, you could easily be looking at two years in the penitentiary.
Foster’s eyes got as wide as a silver dollar, and he turned pale. I thought he was going to pass out. Newsome choked where Doc had to slap him on the back a few times. It was quiet for several seconds.
The Judge began to speak again. “Durango will have its first full-fledged election next fall. All three of the council seats will be open for election and for the first time there will be an election for mayor,” he paused there to look at Foster and Newsome. “Either of you planning to run for the office of mayor?”
They hadn’t quite gotten over their shock of going to prison so they just sort of stared at the Judge while he was talking. “Here’s the plan I suggest we take. Don’t worry, we’ll have a hearing to make it all legal. I suggest that Miles, here should be appointed town marshal until the first of the year when the new mayor and council can determine whether to hire a new marshal,” he paused again to look at me. “That is if Miles will take the job.”
I pulled at my moustache, and couldn’t help myself, I grinned at Foster and Newsome. “I will, but remember, my federal marshalin’ duties may take me away.”
“A deputy to help,” uttered the Judge.
“That would be a helpful bonus, but you’ll have to get the council to agree to pay one,” I stated. “I do have someone in mind.”
“Good!” exclaimed the Judge. “It’s settled then, unless you two gentlemen have something to say against it.” He turned to look at Foster and Newsome.
“Now, one more thing. We can wait for a couple of weeks for Judge Broomfield to come and try Olson in federal court or we can handle it this week.”
Charlie spoke up. “It would sure save the taxpayers some money if we went ahead with a trial.”
Foster and Newsome just looked at each other.
Echoes From the Campfire
My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be witness for men, that I have fought his battles who now will be my rewarder.”
–John Bunyan (Pilgrim’s Progress)
“He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.”
–Isaiah 2:4 (NKJV)
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“That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made
And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
We would not die in that man’s company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
….
This day is call’d the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say, ‘Tomorrow is Saint Crispian’:
Then will strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say, ‘These wounds I had on Crispin’s day.’
….
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.”
–William Shakespeare (Henry V)
Perhaps the above should be kept for Veterans Day, for Memorial Day is a day to remember the fallen. I’ve read several post on facebook, “don’t tell me to celebrate this day”, saying that it is for the fallen, therefore, a time of sorrow, remembrance, and tears. But when I look at the above words, those who continue to live, those who did not fall will stand, show their scars and remember. It may be with a cheer, it may be with a tear. It may be leaning against a “wall”, it may be looking at a picture–but it will be a time of remembrance.
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Last Full Measure of Devotion
“In the long and honored history of America
There are names that shine like beacons in the night
The Patriots whose vision gave us meaning
Who kept the lamp of freedom burning bright.
In the long and honored history of America
There are those that paid the last and final price
Who were called upon by chance, or desperate circumstance
To make the ultimate sacrifice.
A grateful nations bows it head in sorrow
And in thanks for guaranteeing our tomorrow
The last full measure of devotion
That’s what they gave to the cause
The last full measure of devotion
And though they cannot hear our applause;
We honor them forever and keep alive their story
Pay tribute to their lives and give them all the glory
The last full measure of devotion
Beyond the call of duty were their deeds
The last full measure of devotion,
They gave themselves to serve the greater need.
And for those who did survive
And came back home alive
They join in praise of comrades who were slain
And highly resolved, most higly resolved
That these dead shall not have died in vain.”
–Larry Grossman