This morning I am reflecting on a couple of verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. These two verses are normally separated by chapter headings, but if you read them together they make more sense. Here are the verses - Ephesians 4:32 NIV and Ephesians 5:1-2NIV:
[32] "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
[1] "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God".
Paul is following his statement in verse 32 with additional thoughts (therefore) in verses 1 & 2. We know that Paul didn't separate the letter into Chapters, they were added for thematic breaks and readability by later scholars, so it is good to learn to read through the chapter breaks.
In this case, Paul is speaking of kindness, compassion and forgiveness to one another as demonstrated by God, and setting them as an example of how we should walk in love. Make no mistake there is self-sacrifice in kindness, compassion and forgiveness, and that is what Jesus demonstrated. We are encouraged to unload the burdens from our own shoulders, our bitterness, anger, rage, brawling, slander and malice in verse 31 (Eph 4:31). It is interesting that pretty much all of those things come from a place of selfishness and self focus. Instead, we are encouraged to act out of a motivation of love and compassion, empathy and kindness towards each other. To make that transition we must lay down our self-focus and pick up Jesus' perspective.
Jesus encourages us to do just that in the following verses - Matthew 11:28-30 NIV: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
- and again a similar theme - John 13:34-35 NIV:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
We are to learn to love the way Jesus loved us. We are to learn to be kind and compassionate and forgiving even as Jesus was kind, compassionate and forgiving. If we are to act like Jesus, we need to see and hear like He saw and heard. We need to lay down our perspective and ask for His.
It is very difficult to love someone when You are angry with them! We are called to lay down our anger. We can ask Jesus to help us see the one we are angry with from His perspective, to see them as they really are before Him.
It is more difficult to love one when we harbor bitterness towards them. In this case, anger has been replaced with deep wounding and offense. It is almost impossible to see the object of bitterness in any other light. To move past bitterness, forgiveness must be embraced and offenses must be released. To do this one must willfully choose to lay down the offense, and where better than at the feet of Jesus. He will replace the load of bitterness with one of love, compassion and humility, which will bring peace and rest. Christ bore no bitterness towards those that betrayed Him, towards those that wounded Him, and even towards those that hung Him on the cross, and in His sacrifice is the strength to walk away from our own woundedness and offenses. Lord help us!
Back to the verses from Ephesians, Paul reminds us that we are dearly loved children of God, each and every one of us. When we look at our brothers and sisters, we need to recognize God's love for them as well. God knows that the children in families do not always get along perfectly, but there must be an underlying understanding of love and relationship that trumps everything else. We are encouraged to look to that familial relationship amongst each other. We are called to walk in the "way of love", and ultimately that "way of love" is to be a sign to all of our discipleship to Christ Jesus! In fact in the early years of the Church, they were called followers of "the Way", (Acts 9:2; Acts 22:4) and I would think that could be short for "followers of the way of Love".
This morning I am encouraged to be kind and compassionate, learning to walk more in the way of Love. I am encouraged to lay down anything that was not demonstrated by Jesus and to follow His example of loving kindness, mercy, compassion, empathy and forgiveness. I am encouraged to let the motivation of love season all of my actions, that others might see and recognize Christ's example in me. I want to be a follower of the way of love!
Amen!
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Pursuing That Which Has Real Value
This morning I am letting Paul's reflection on the value of Christ Jesus wash over me. Here are the famous verses from his letter to the Philippians 3:7-14 NIV:
[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
[12] "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
As I let these words fill my mind, I am aware of how far I have to go in my faith. Not that I haven't made significant progress, but the reality is that there is still much more to experience and pursue. It is like climbing a huge mountain and looking out, realizing that you have come a very long way up, then turning and looking at how much farther there is still to go. I am not discouraged, but rather encouraged that after 40 years, there is still a vastness to be experienced.
I know I am not to the point that Paul was in his passionate pursuit of the Lord, where I consider everything else as garbage. I think some of that must come as one takes on a more eternal mindset, for it is in that reality that the true values of our lives is appropriately framed. The houses, cars, jobs, material wealth, life accomplishments, all will matter little, if at all, in the eternal landscape. It seems to me that the things that will last, e.g. relationships with family, connections with the Body of Christ, experiences of God's mercy, compassion and love, relationship with Christ Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit - those are the things that matter in eternity, and things we should value here.
As we embrace the Lord more, as Paul writes, other things become less and less valuable, until they become like garbage, worth almost nothing and easily jettisoned and walked away from. Paul says he has lost all things for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. Anything that didn't aid him in his pursuit of the Lord was cast aside, or able to be thrown away. Paul wrote this as he looked back over the last many years of ministry, as he was writing this during his imprisonment in Rome, which ultimately ended in his martyrdom. He had clearly left most everything for the sake of Jesus, and he was not looking back nostalgically, or with regret, but instead was looking back with a sense of thankfulness that he had been able to pursue that which has the greatest value, and able to continue to press on!
Oh, that I would be able to say the same thing in my life. That I might have an eternal mindset and perspective, that I might pursue those things that really have value, and choose to lay aside anything that is worth less. I love that Paul knew his life was winding down, yet continued to pursue Christ with all the passion and energy he had, and that is how I want to be. I don't want to coast in to the end, but rather be engaged in the ascent heavenward until my last day.
Amen!
Saturday, January 27, 2018
God's Love and Faithfulness - Worthy of Reflection
This morning I am reflecting on the shortest Psalm, and letting the 2 verses resonate in my heart.
Psalm 117:1-2 NIV:
[1] Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
[2] For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord."
I almost want to read this Psalm backwards starting with verse 2 and finishing with verse 1, as sometimes being reminded of God's awesome virtues causes me to praise His name! The fact that God's love and faithfulness are presented together is so helpful, as the two go hand in hand.
He loves us and He is faithful.
His motivation is always love!
His actions are always in line with His love, and are eternally consistent!
He is the same for eternity, always loving, always faithful!
Are you in a difficult circumstance?
God Loves you and is Faithful!
Are you struggling with your thoughts, your own self worth?
The God of the universe loves you and is faithful!
Have you fallen in sin?
God Loves you and is Faithful!
Have you been hurt by the church?
God Loves you and is Faithful!
At best we humans are imperfect, but God is glorious in His Perfection! Never-ending in His love! Eternally faithful! Unchanging and unaffected by our mistakes, our imperfections and our sin! He still Loves us and still is faithful, even if we are not.
Because of this, I am moved to sing His praises, to speak of His awesomeness and wonders, to extol His name! Praise God!
Amen!
Friday, January 26, 2018
Of Legos and Building the Church
This morning I felt led to read from Paul's first letter to Timothy. He made a statement that caught my eye and I want to spend some time reflecting on it. HEre is the verse - 1 Timothy 3:15 NIV:
...[15] "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
The phrase that caught my eye was "God's household, which is the church of the living God". That really is a very interesting description of the church. Paul has elsewhere described the church as the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12), and this just adds another dimension to that image. The Greek word translated household is the word Oikos and it is defined as follows:
1) a house
a) an inhabited house, home
b) any building whatever
1) of a palace
2) the house of God, the tabernacle
c) any dwelling place
1) of the human body as the abode of demons that possess it
2) of tents, and huts, and later, of the nests, stalls, lairs, of animals
3) the place where one has fixed his residence, one's settled abode, domicile
2) the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household
a) the family of God, of the Christian Church, of the church of the Old and New Testaments
3) stock, family, descendants of one
As we can see the word is quite varied in its translation. It seems to me to indicate both God's dwelling, the place where He chooses to make His home. It also seems to mean all the members of one family, and one household. It is interesting how perfectly this double meaning actually describes the church, it is both!
Now imagine if you were visiting God's actual house, somehow transported to eternity and walking through what is His actual home, and having the opportunity to stay in that house. How would you feel? How would you act? What would you think about? How would You feel when He tells you to make yourself at home? How would you treat others that were around you?
I find this a good reflection to guide me as I think about the local church, that which we attend and that which gathers in many other locations as well. How do I interact with the others that meet in God's home? Do I consider them interlopers or do I consider them co-heirs, my brothers and sisters, equally invited? Am I more worried about myself (vain imaginations) than I am about God's home?
Continuing on, I find Paul's additional description helpful. The Church is the "pillar and foundation of the truth." This statement has some real significance, and as such, should also drive behavior and thought. If the church is the pillar, that means it is a significant support to the whole structure. The pillars in modern buildings support the inner part of the building and the foundation supports the outer walls. Architecture in Paul's time was not much different, but often-times the pillars supported the outer walls as well, regardless we are talking about structure that gives strength to the whole building, the whole dwelling.
As I look at the present day church with human eyes, it seems far from this picture. In many ways it seems fragmented, divided, weak and crumbled down. However, that is with human eyes, I believe that when the Lord looks at His church, he sees us as we truly are, in Him. He is the master-builder and the master-planner, and He knows how it will all come together and when. We cannot limit ourselves to our own perceptions, but must instead look to that which is promised and prophesied about the church.
I was just thinking of an analogy to help me grasp our present situation. I felt like it was like a 1 Billion piece Lego project, and each person is given 4 or 5 pieces to put together by following the specific directions that accompanied those 4-5 pieces. God then will tell us how and when those pieces connect with other 4-5 piece clusters, all in unison and in a particular order and timing. Finally these parts are brought to the final building site, put together into the complete structure, which looks and is far more grand and glorious than any of us can imagine. We have a few words and maybe pictures to describe the final outcome, but nothing can prepare us for the reality! Now that is something I can get excited about, and still be responsible for my own 4-5 pieces.
Oh Lord, we pray that You hasten the building and finishing of Your Church, Your Household! Help us to live as we should as members of Your household. Help us to rightly respect Your overall master-plan and vision, trusting You to build your house according to Your plan! Help us to love one another and encourage one another to put their pieces together, knowing that we need all the pieces, and no one piece has precedence over any other piece!
Amen!
...[15] "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
The phrase that caught my eye was "God's household, which is the church of the living God". That really is a very interesting description of the church. Paul has elsewhere described the church as the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12), and this just adds another dimension to that image. The Greek word translated household is the word Oikos and it is defined as follows:
1) a house
a) an inhabited house, home
b) any building whatever
1) of a palace
2) the house of God, the tabernacle
c) any dwelling place
1) of the human body as the abode of demons that possess it
2) of tents, and huts, and later, of the nests, stalls, lairs, of animals
3) the place where one has fixed his residence, one's settled abode, domicile
2) the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household
a) the family of God, of the Christian Church, of the church of the Old and New Testaments
3) stock, family, descendants of one
As we can see the word is quite varied in its translation. It seems to me to indicate both God's dwelling, the place where He chooses to make His home. It also seems to mean all the members of one family, and one household. It is interesting how perfectly this double meaning actually describes the church, it is both!
Now imagine if you were visiting God's actual house, somehow transported to eternity and walking through what is His actual home, and having the opportunity to stay in that house. How would you feel? How would you act? What would you think about? How would You feel when He tells you to make yourself at home? How would you treat others that were around you?
I find this a good reflection to guide me as I think about the local church, that which we attend and that which gathers in many other locations as well. How do I interact with the others that meet in God's home? Do I consider them interlopers or do I consider them co-heirs, my brothers and sisters, equally invited? Am I more worried about myself (vain imaginations) than I am about God's home?
Continuing on, I find Paul's additional description helpful. The Church is the "pillar and foundation of the truth." This statement has some real significance, and as such, should also drive behavior and thought. If the church is the pillar, that means it is a significant support to the whole structure. The pillars in modern buildings support the inner part of the building and the foundation supports the outer walls. Architecture in Paul's time was not much different, but often-times the pillars supported the outer walls as well, regardless we are talking about structure that gives strength to the whole building, the whole dwelling.
As I look at the present day church with human eyes, it seems far from this picture. In many ways it seems fragmented, divided, weak and crumbled down. However, that is with human eyes, I believe that when the Lord looks at His church, he sees us as we truly are, in Him. He is the master-builder and the master-planner, and He knows how it will all come together and when. We cannot limit ourselves to our own perceptions, but must instead look to that which is promised and prophesied about the church.
I was just thinking of an analogy to help me grasp our present situation. I felt like it was like a 1 Billion piece Lego project, and each person is given 4 or 5 pieces to put together by following the specific directions that accompanied those 4-5 pieces. God then will tell us how and when those pieces connect with other 4-5 piece clusters, all in unison and in a particular order and timing. Finally these parts are brought to the final building site, put together into the complete structure, which looks and is far more grand and glorious than any of us can imagine. We have a few words and maybe pictures to describe the final outcome, but nothing can prepare us for the reality! Now that is something I can get excited about, and still be responsible for my own 4-5 pieces.
Oh Lord, we pray that You hasten the building and finishing of Your Church, Your Household! Help us to live as we should as members of Your household. Help us to rightly respect Your overall master-plan and vision, trusting You to build your house according to Your plan! Help us to love one another and encourage one another to put their pieces together, knowing that we need all the pieces, and no one piece has precedence over any other piece!
Amen!
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Our Identity - We ARE Loved By Jesus
This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians, and just find his words encouraging in my pursuit of Christ. Here are the verses - Philippians 2:1-4 NIV:
[1] "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
For some reason when I read these verses this morning they were like a warm blanket to my soul. Paul was reminding us of the affection and love Christ has for us, and encouraging us to look at the world from the perspective of being united to and loved by Jesus! Imagine how our identity would be impacted if we let that fact settle into our heart!
I remember how my perspective in life changed when I fell in love with my future wife, it was as if my whole outlook on life changed when I realized that she loved me as well. There was an excitement and desire for unity, for sharing deeply, an increasing tenderness and understanding of her heart and life. It was easy to think of her first, to value her opinion and wishes above my own, and that sounds very much like what Paul is encouraging us to embrace in the Lord!
I think it is so easy to put our relational faith into the context of works and duty, for we want easy to follow directions and steps. We have so many voices preaching and teaching and that is not a bad thing, but relationships are personal and intimate. We should never abandon our personal pursuit of the Lord, because someone we listen to sounds like they know what they are talking about and we just follow after them. If I did that with my wife, I would be in trouble in a hurry!
The Lord doesn't desire followers of good preachers and teachers, He desires a personal relationship with you and me! Each of us will have a unique relationship, unique ways of relating, hearing, speaking and sharing of life. My relationship with my wife is unique to us. There are similarities to other married relationships, and I have even learned from others, but our relationship is ours and ours alone. In the same way, we are invited into a individual and intimate relationship with Christ Jesus, with The Father and the Holy Spirit. No one else can replace me or my wife in our relationship, and God does not want to see us hand over the control of our relationship to Him to any preacher or teacher, no matter how good they are.
This means that each of us must be internally motivated to grow in our relationship with the Lord. We must desire to go deeper, we must understand His desire for us and join our hearts to Him. Relationships require time and communication to deepen. I have plenty of relationships that never go deeper, and that is because we only relate occasionally, and spend very little time communicating. My time in prayer each morning is where I do much of my communicating with the Lord, but I am also constantly in communication throughout the day. I desire to move to the point of constant prayer (communication) in my life with Him, but I am certainly not there yet.
Back to talking about my honey, when I travel I usually try to talk to her several times in a day, if its possible. In fact ,when I was traveling extensively, friends of hers used to give her a hard time about how often we talked. What I desired was that in my travels that we never suffered a reduction in our communication or intimacy. Despite being separated by miles, sometimes for days at a time, we were both very aware of each other's day, activities, thoughts and experiences. When I got home I didn't need to "catch-up" instead we just continued on growing deeper and communicating with the same consistency. This is similar to my model for relationship with the Lord. I try to spend time with Him every day, and be in conversation multiple times throughout the day. Some days I am better than others, but every day I am aware of the Lord's desire for me to grow in relationship with Him. There are many days I feel that He is waiting for me to grab my bible, my cup of coffee and to come sit with Him.
Ultimately this relationship with Him should have a profound effect on our outward focused lives too. We should learn to love those He loves (I am very fond of all of my wife's friends!). We should learn to see others the way He sees them, as having a priceless value and unique place in relationship with Him. We should see an increase in our compassion and tenderness, for our hearts should become more and more like His, and He is both compassionate and tender. Our hearts should become more outward focused as we see our deep needs for love and acceptance met by the Lord! I find it easy to love others when I am feeling and experiencing being loved. We should desire to see others grow in Love with Him, and encourage them in their pursuit for He is able to love us all, equally well and intimately. We should find ourselves embracing humility, for He embraces it fully very day, despite His awesome power and authority. He chooses to dwell in us, in our hearts, deeming us worthy of His attention! Wow!
Thus, this morning I am encouraged to embrace more fully my relationship with the Lord! I am encouraged to pursue Him throughout my day, being in state of constant communication and affection. I am encouraged to love others, especially my honey, with ever increasing vigor and compassion and tenderness, for I know that my Lord is doing that too. I am encouraged to lay down my selfish ways and embrace unity with all those valued and loved by my Lord! I am encouraged to embrace and treasure the fact that I am loved by Jesus.
Amen!
[1] "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
For some reason when I read these verses this morning they were like a warm blanket to my soul. Paul was reminding us of the affection and love Christ has for us, and encouraging us to look at the world from the perspective of being united to and loved by Jesus! Imagine how our identity would be impacted if we let that fact settle into our heart!
I remember how my perspective in life changed when I fell in love with my future wife, it was as if my whole outlook on life changed when I realized that she loved me as well. There was an excitement and desire for unity, for sharing deeply, an increasing tenderness and understanding of her heart and life. It was easy to think of her first, to value her opinion and wishes above my own, and that sounds very much like what Paul is encouraging us to embrace in the Lord!
I think it is so easy to put our relational faith into the context of works and duty, for we want easy to follow directions and steps. We have so many voices preaching and teaching and that is not a bad thing, but relationships are personal and intimate. We should never abandon our personal pursuit of the Lord, because someone we listen to sounds like they know what they are talking about and we just follow after them. If I did that with my wife, I would be in trouble in a hurry!
The Lord doesn't desire followers of good preachers and teachers, He desires a personal relationship with you and me! Each of us will have a unique relationship, unique ways of relating, hearing, speaking and sharing of life. My relationship with my wife is unique to us. There are similarities to other married relationships, and I have even learned from others, but our relationship is ours and ours alone. In the same way, we are invited into a individual and intimate relationship with Christ Jesus, with The Father and the Holy Spirit. No one else can replace me or my wife in our relationship, and God does not want to see us hand over the control of our relationship to Him to any preacher or teacher, no matter how good they are.
This means that each of us must be internally motivated to grow in our relationship with the Lord. We must desire to go deeper, we must understand His desire for us and join our hearts to Him. Relationships require time and communication to deepen. I have plenty of relationships that never go deeper, and that is because we only relate occasionally, and spend very little time communicating. My time in prayer each morning is where I do much of my communicating with the Lord, but I am also constantly in communication throughout the day. I desire to move to the point of constant prayer (communication) in my life with Him, but I am certainly not there yet.
Back to talking about my honey, when I travel I usually try to talk to her several times in a day, if its possible. In fact ,when I was traveling extensively, friends of hers used to give her a hard time about how often we talked. What I desired was that in my travels that we never suffered a reduction in our communication or intimacy. Despite being separated by miles, sometimes for days at a time, we were both very aware of each other's day, activities, thoughts and experiences. When I got home I didn't need to "catch-up" instead we just continued on growing deeper and communicating with the same consistency. This is similar to my model for relationship with the Lord. I try to spend time with Him every day, and be in conversation multiple times throughout the day. Some days I am better than others, but every day I am aware of the Lord's desire for me to grow in relationship with Him. There are many days I feel that He is waiting for me to grab my bible, my cup of coffee and to come sit with Him.
Ultimately this relationship with Him should have a profound effect on our outward focused lives too. We should learn to love those He loves (I am very fond of all of my wife's friends!). We should learn to see others the way He sees them, as having a priceless value and unique place in relationship with Him. We should see an increase in our compassion and tenderness, for our hearts should become more and more like His, and He is both compassionate and tender. Our hearts should become more outward focused as we see our deep needs for love and acceptance met by the Lord! I find it easy to love others when I am feeling and experiencing being loved. We should desire to see others grow in Love with Him, and encourage them in their pursuit for He is able to love us all, equally well and intimately. We should find ourselves embracing humility, for He embraces it fully very day, despite His awesome power and authority. He chooses to dwell in us, in our hearts, deeming us worthy of His attention! Wow!
Thus, this morning I am encouraged to embrace more fully my relationship with the Lord! I am encouraged to pursue Him throughout my day, being in state of constant communication and affection. I am encouraged to love others, especially my honey, with ever increasing vigor and compassion and tenderness, for I know that my Lord is doing that too. I am encouraged to lay down my selfish ways and embrace unity with all those valued and loved by my Lord! I am encouraged to embrace and treasure the fact that I am loved by Jesus.
Amen!
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Our Identity and the Gospel of Grace
This morning I was reading through Paul's letter to the Galatians and was reflecting on how religion was already slipping into the ranks of the Body of Christ and causing confusion and disagreements and heresy. According to the entry on this letter, "some scholars date the original composition to c. 50–60 AD. Other scholars agree that Galatians was written between the late 40s and early 50s." ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Galatians). If Jesus died in 30-33AD, then we are looking at an issue that had already risen within the first 20-30 years of His life. Many of the original Apostles were still alive, and yet already there were seeds of disagreement and divisions were forming. My heart was saddened by this reality and by the present state of the Body of Christ with division and disagreement rampant in our midst.
I have been reflecting on the bedrock truths of our faith, on the two most important commandments (per Jesus) and was thinking that it would be wonderful if we could unite behind the basic truths and teachings of Jesus as one Faith! It doesn't seem so hard or complicated for us to universally embrace our call to love God first, and then to love one another (our neighbors) as Jesus loves us. Yet, we find the majority of churches struggling to have real relationships and trust of other churches outside their own denomination,fellowship or organizations. We find that many pastors are alone, have few friends in neighboring churches and more often feel a sense of competition for the believers in their city or region.
This is exactly the scene in Galatia, and Paul is forced to address in His letter to the churches there. Clearly this is a letter defending the true faith, his ministry and even move and guidance of the Holy Spirit, for it seems the members of the church in Galatia were willing to lay down everything they already had, for the false promise of righteousness through works! There were opposing forces at work to dissuade them of the Gospel, they were working to convince them that Paul was not to be trusted, all of which we see Paul addressing in his letter.
I am not focusing on the specifics of the disagreements and differing opinions, rather I am looking at this from the attack on identity and relationship perspective. Core to our understanding of our identity in Christ is the issue of the Gospel of Grace. Basically none of us deserve salvation, but Jesus in the supreme act of self-sacrifice, gave Himself to set us free, and it His free gift to us all. He loves us and He paid the price. We did nothing to deserve this, and His salvation is distributed equally to all, because He loves us all equally! Nothing we can do adds to His love or to what He has already given us. All He asks for in return is relationship.
The enemy would have us believe that we still live in that state of unworthiness and the only way forward is through some works, or religious expression or sacrifice, and that is a lie from the pit of hell, for it negates completely the free gift of salvation that Jesus died to provide us! The truth is that none of us are worthy, and yet all are made worthy only by Jesus' righteousness being applied to our lives. Nothing we do increases His sacrifice, or makes it more or less effective! IT IS FINISHED!
We are all loved!
We are all forgiven!
We are all His favorites!
We are all His sons and daughters!
We are all able to enter by faith!
If we think these truths don't apply to our lives, then we are agreeing with the lie of the enemy and we are saying that Jesus didn't do enough, that His sacrifice was not enough to redeem us! If we think that our religious expression adds something to our favorableness before God, then we are saying Jesus, in whom we are hidden, isn't that attractive to the Father! Do we really want to align ourselves with the accuser before the Throne of Grace??
For most of us, we don't usually see these issues in such clear light. They are hidden in feelings of inadequacy, feeling of guilt or failure, feelings of not being loved or accepted. We have listened to the whispered lies of the enemy without realizing it and without discerning the evil intent.
This morning I am encouraged to reflect on my life, upon my thoughts and to root out any lies of the enemy that I have come into agreement with in my life. I am encouraged to ask God to shine the light of His truth into the dark recesses of my mind, my heart and my being to root out all the hidden delusions and deceptions the enemy has sowed. I am encouraged to let His Truth become the foundation of my identity in Him!
Amen and Amen!
I have been reflecting on the bedrock truths of our faith, on the two most important commandments (per Jesus) and was thinking that it would be wonderful if we could unite behind the basic truths and teachings of Jesus as one Faith! It doesn't seem so hard or complicated for us to universally embrace our call to love God first, and then to love one another (our neighbors) as Jesus loves us. Yet, we find the majority of churches struggling to have real relationships and trust of other churches outside their own denomination,fellowship or organizations. We find that many pastors are alone, have few friends in neighboring churches and more often feel a sense of competition for the believers in their city or region.
This is exactly the scene in Galatia, and Paul is forced to address in His letter to the churches there. Clearly this is a letter defending the true faith, his ministry and even move and guidance of the Holy Spirit, for it seems the members of the church in Galatia were willing to lay down everything they already had, for the false promise of righteousness through works! There were opposing forces at work to dissuade them of the Gospel, they were working to convince them that Paul was not to be trusted, all of which we see Paul addressing in his letter.
I am not focusing on the specifics of the disagreements and differing opinions, rather I am looking at this from the attack on identity and relationship perspective. Core to our understanding of our identity in Christ is the issue of the Gospel of Grace. Basically none of us deserve salvation, but Jesus in the supreme act of self-sacrifice, gave Himself to set us free, and it His free gift to us all. He loves us and He paid the price. We did nothing to deserve this, and His salvation is distributed equally to all, because He loves us all equally! Nothing we can do adds to His love or to what He has already given us. All He asks for in return is relationship.
The enemy would have us believe that we still live in that state of unworthiness and the only way forward is through some works, or religious expression or sacrifice, and that is a lie from the pit of hell, for it negates completely the free gift of salvation that Jesus died to provide us! The truth is that none of us are worthy, and yet all are made worthy only by Jesus' righteousness being applied to our lives. Nothing we do increases His sacrifice, or makes it more or less effective! IT IS FINISHED!
We are all loved!
We are all forgiven!
We are all His favorites!
We are all His sons and daughters!
We are all able to enter by faith!
If we think these truths don't apply to our lives, then we are agreeing with the lie of the enemy and we are saying that Jesus didn't do enough, that His sacrifice was not enough to redeem us! If we think that our religious expression adds something to our favorableness before God, then we are saying Jesus, in whom we are hidden, isn't that attractive to the Father! Do we really want to align ourselves with the accuser before the Throne of Grace??
For most of us, we don't usually see these issues in such clear light. They are hidden in feelings of inadequacy, feeling of guilt or failure, feelings of not being loved or accepted. We have listened to the whispered lies of the enemy without realizing it and without discerning the evil intent.
This morning I am encouraged to reflect on my life, upon my thoughts and to root out any lies of the enemy that I have come into agreement with in my life. I am encouraged to ask God to shine the light of His truth into the dark recesses of my mind, my heart and my being to root out all the hidden delusions and deceptions the enemy has sowed. I am encouraged to let His Truth become the foundation of my identity in Him!
Amen and Amen!
Friday, January 19, 2018
The Simple Invitation to Relationship = Greatest Commandment
This morning I have been reflecting on Mark's twelfth chapter, which contains some interesting things. It starts with Jesus telling the parable of the Tenants, which is clearly about religion and the religious leaders. I believe that the Lord's desire was to see them recognize their wrong ways and repent, but instead they chose to seek ways to kill Him. Jesus spoke of God's amazing patience, and laid an invitation for them to believe, yet they resisted.
After the first parable, the next several interactions were the Pharisees and Sadducees trying to trap him with difficult questions meant to get Him to commit to something that they could use to destroy Him. In each case, He adroitly avoids their traps and continues to frustrate them. Finally we see one teacher who understands and has a positive interaction with Jesus (Mark 12:28-34). I think that Jesus was very pleased to see one of the religious leaders who actually understood the whole purpose of the Law! It wasn't about sacrifices and offerings and works, but it was about loving relationship with God and with each others. Here is their interaction, for it is worth reflecting on - Mark 12:28-34 NIV:
[28] "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
[29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”
[32] “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. [33] To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
[34] "When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions."
One of the first things I noticed this morning was the humility of the teacher in coming to Jesus. He wasn't trying to trap Him, wasn't there to boast of His knowledge, but rather came to Jesus asking His opinion and perspective. We always want to be teachable, and come to the Lord in humility. He always has a better perspective than we have, so looking to Him is the wisest thing we can do.
Secondly, He listened to what Jesus said, and grasped the heart of Jesus' response. We, also, should look closely at what Jesus said, for this is as true today as it was when He said it. Jesus said the two most important things we can do are to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Wouldn't church be interesting if this is what we practiced? Rather than focusing on religion and religious works and liturgy, focusing on relationships of Love with God and one another.
The teacher recognizes the truth as the Truth speaks it to him, and his heart is stirred and he has revelation! This revelation was probably in process already, but Jesus confirmed it! Oh that we would let the Truth settle into our hearts and bring revelation and life! Oh that we would come to Jesus and let Him speak Truth!
Finally Jesus encourages the teacher and lays out the invitation into the Kingdom... leading him forward with positive affirmation. The Lord will always affirm our repentance and moves towards Him!
This morning I am encouraged by the simplicity of Jesus' reply! Let me love God and love others! That is more important than any religious activity or pursuit. He wants us focused on relationships!
Amen!
After the first parable, the next several interactions were the Pharisees and Sadducees trying to trap him with difficult questions meant to get Him to commit to something that they could use to destroy Him. In each case, He adroitly avoids their traps and continues to frustrate them. Finally we see one teacher who understands and has a positive interaction with Jesus (Mark 12:28-34). I think that Jesus was very pleased to see one of the religious leaders who actually understood the whole purpose of the Law! It wasn't about sacrifices and offerings and works, but it was about loving relationship with God and with each others. Here is their interaction, for it is worth reflecting on - Mark 12:28-34 NIV:
[28] "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
[29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”
[32] “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. [33] To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
[34] "When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions."
One of the first things I noticed this morning was the humility of the teacher in coming to Jesus. He wasn't trying to trap Him, wasn't there to boast of His knowledge, but rather came to Jesus asking His opinion and perspective. We always want to be teachable, and come to the Lord in humility. He always has a better perspective than we have, so looking to Him is the wisest thing we can do.
Secondly, He listened to what Jesus said, and grasped the heart of Jesus' response. We, also, should look closely at what Jesus said, for this is as true today as it was when He said it. Jesus said the two most important things we can do are to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Wouldn't church be interesting if this is what we practiced? Rather than focusing on religion and religious works and liturgy, focusing on relationships of Love with God and one another.
The teacher recognizes the truth as the Truth speaks it to him, and his heart is stirred and he has revelation! This revelation was probably in process already, but Jesus confirmed it! Oh that we would let the Truth settle into our hearts and bring revelation and life! Oh that we would come to Jesus and let Him speak Truth!
Finally Jesus encourages the teacher and lays out the invitation into the Kingdom... leading him forward with positive affirmation. The Lord will always affirm our repentance and moves towards Him!
This morning I am encouraged by the simplicity of Jesus' reply! Let me love God and love others! That is more important than any religious activity or pursuit. He wants us focused on relationships!
Amen!
Thursday, January 18, 2018
God's Love - The Bedrock of Our Identity
This morning I am continuing my reflection on our true identity, and one thing that continues to resonate in my heart is that it is all based around relationship, and specifically relationship with our heavenly Father. Yesterday I looked at the story of the Prodigal son, which reveals much of the Father's heart, and it focused on restoring one's identity, and it was all anchored in relationship with the Father.
I know I have written in the past of the Father's desire for relationship, and that seems to be the foundation for everything! The Father desires relationship with you and me, individually! Our truest identity is found in this core, eternal relationship. If we look at just a few passages in scripture that illustrate His love for us, we can quickly appreciate the eternal nature of His Love.
God loved us before the creation of the world!
Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV:
[3] "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--- [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
God created us!
Psalm 139:13-16 NIV:
[13] "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
God created us with purpose!
Ephesians 2:10 NIV:
[10] "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God Loved us so much that He sent Jesus!
John 3:16-17 NIV:
[16] "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
God sees us as His sons and daughters!
2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV:
[18] "And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
God wants us to see ourselves as His sons and daughters!
Romans 8:14-17 NIV
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- and -
Galatians 4:6 NIV:
[6] "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.”
God's love for us cannot be defeated!
Romans 8:38-39 NIV:
[38] "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God plans to give us eternal life in relationship with Him (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
John 6:40 NIV:
[40] "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
- and -
1 John 5:11 NIV:
[11] "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."
- and -
1 John 4:13-15 NIV:
[13] "This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. [14] And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. [15] If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God."
All these verses point to the love the Father has for us, the fact that He created us, has a purpose for us, desires relationship with us as His sons and daughters, and ultimately plans to live eternity in relationship with us! If this is the truth, if this our eternal reward, from before the world was created, to after the world ends, relationship with God, then God's love for us and desire for relationship is the foundation of everything else! If we dig down far enough on any truth, the bedrock we hit will always be God's love for us, and His desire for relationship. It is in context with this Rock that we find our true identity. He is the Rock, and we stand on Him and take our identity from Him!
I am reminded of an encouragement Jesus gave us in Matthew 7:24-25 NIV: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Let Your true identity rest upon the Rock! If we build our house (our identity) on Him, upon His love, upon this revelation than we will stand regardless of the attacks and trials we encounter.
Amen!
I know I have written in the past of the Father's desire for relationship, and that seems to be the foundation for everything! The Father desires relationship with you and me, individually! Our truest identity is found in this core, eternal relationship. If we look at just a few passages in scripture that illustrate His love for us, we can quickly appreciate the eternal nature of His Love.
God loved us before the creation of the world!
Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV:
[3] "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--- [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
God created us!
Psalm 139:13-16 NIV:
[13] "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
God created us with purpose!
Ephesians 2:10 NIV:
[10] "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God Loved us so much that He sent Jesus!
John 3:16-17 NIV:
[16] "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
God sees us as His sons and daughters!
2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV:
[18] "And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
God wants us to see ourselves as His sons and daughters!
Romans 8:14-17 NIV
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- and -
Galatians 4:6 NIV:
[6] "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.”
God's love for us cannot be defeated!
Romans 8:38-39 NIV:
[38] "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God plans to give us eternal life in relationship with Him (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
John 6:40 NIV:
[40] "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
- and -
1 John 5:11 NIV:
[11] "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."
- and -
1 John 4:13-15 NIV:
[13] "This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. [14] And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. [15] If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God."
All these verses point to the love the Father has for us, the fact that He created us, has a purpose for us, desires relationship with us as His sons and daughters, and ultimately plans to live eternity in relationship with us! If this is the truth, if this our eternal reward, from before the world was created, to after the world ends, relationship with God, then God's love for us and desire for relationship is the foundation of everything else! If we dig down far enough on any truth, the bedrock we hit will always be God's love for us, and His desire for relationship. It is in context with this Rock that we find our true identity. He is the Rock, and we stand on Him and take our identity from Him!
I am reminded of an encouragement Jesus gave us in Matthew 7:24-25 NIV: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Let Your true identity rest upon the Rock! If we build our house (our identity) on Him, upon His love, upon this revelation than we will stand regardless of the attacks and trials we encounter.
Amen!
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
The Attack On Our Identity - The Father's Response
This morning I am continuing my reflection on identity and will delve deeper into that subject through Jesus' great parable about the prodigal son. I think that first and foremost this story is about identity, the rejecting of identity and the receiving back one's true identity. Jesus was telling this story to a people and culture who focused on individual's as they related to the father. For a couple of quick examples we have Bartimaeus which means son of Timaeus; we have Simon bar Jonas (son of Jonas), James and John the sons of Zebedee; Luke 3:21-38 recounts the genealogy of Jesus, and it is all based on the paternal relationship; almost the entire first chapter of Matthew's Gospel is devoted to Jesus' genealogy. I believe we can conjecture that one's identity was closely tied to one's father, and his father and so on.
I will look at the story and then break it down as it refers to identity. Here is the story as recounted in Luke 15:11-24 NIV:
[11] "Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. [12] The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them."
[13] “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. [14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
[17] “When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' [20] So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
[21] “The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
[22] “But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [23] Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. [24] For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."
What an awesome story demonstrating the Father's heart, and His desire to restore us to our true identity!
Let me break down the story as I understand it. One of the things that is somewhat overlooked, in our present culture, is the statement the younger son was making in asking for His inheritance, His share of the estate. He was basically saying to the Father, I wish you were dead, I want nothing to do with you any more, I want out. I want my name set free, and I want everything that goes with that to go with me as well. It is important to note that this is the younger son, and often the oldest son inherited the land, but a good father always provided for all his sons and lent his name and authority and reputation to all his sons.
This son had decided he didn't need any of that help or relationship, so he moved to a distant land where it would just be him and whatever name he could make for himself. Unfortunately, left to his own identity he stumbled quickly and made bad decision after bad decision and ended up with nothing. Truthfully he ended up with less than nothing for he wasn't treated even as well as the pigs, and no one helped him. The truth is no one knew him, he had no family and no friends, for those he had developed were only friends because of his money, and when that ran out, so did they.
While he was in this depressed state he came to his senses, and realized that even the servants in His father's house were treated better than he was being treated. The fact that this is what he realized when he came to his senses, means that he hadn't seen this before, and previously had not been in his right mind. He had totally misunderstood who he was and what relationship with his father provided himself, as well as all the others, even the servants.
He immediately decided to head back home, but knew what he had said to his father in parting, and how deeply that would have wounded him, but figured he would ask to be a servant, just so he could eat and have shelter. He thought he had given up his identity, and now could only relate to his father as a hired hand or servant.
I love the father's response, as described by Jesus and it is important for us to note, for clearly this is a parable describing our Heavenly Father and us. The Father never revoked the son's identity, and never withdrew his love, or desire for relationship. In fact, every day he waited scanning the horizon to see if his son was returning to Him. As soon as He saw the son He ran to him and embraced him! Notice the son didn't run to the father for he was likely ashamed of his behavior and worried about what he last said to Him.
The father was overjoyed to see the son and was busy embracing him, and the son just couldn't even go there in his mind. Instead he still thought his only relationship with his father would be as servant, and so he tries to explain that to his father. His father, however, will have nothing to do with that type of thinking and immediately calls for public restoration of identity (sandals), authority (ring) and relationship (robe). One thing I just was researching was the significance of giving the son back his sandals. Here is a quote I found referring to the significance of shoes:
"Then the biblical tradition took a further step. The ‘lifting up of the foot’ became more concrete and real with the ‘pulling off of the shoe.’” [26] This act before witnesses was a legal attestation [27] that the party divesting itself of a particular piece of property was doing so willingly—and had formally and officially relinquished all future claims to that particular piece of property. [28] The removal of the sandal, slipper, or shoe at the end of the rite signified that the transaction was completed and that the ritual was legally binding." Full article may be found at : https://rsc-dev.byu.edu/archived/our-rites-worship-latter-day-saint-views-ritual-history-scripture-and-practice/ceremony
In other words, the giving back of the son's shoes was returning him to that which he left, namely his true identity as son of the father! What had been legally divested (his inheritance) was now legally restored! It was as if he had never left and all rights and relationship were fully restored! Wow!
It is almost as if he never left, never sinned, never failed, never made stupid decision after stupid decision - and that is exactly the point Jesus is making! This is how the Father loves us, how He treats us, how He desires us to understand our true identity! There is no second class son or daughter! He is waiting for us all to return to Him, to fully embrace our identity, to live in the fullness of what He has for us! This is true for everyone of us, no matter what we have done, or how far we have run away! He has never stopped loving us, never stopped waiting or us to return to Him, never crossed our name off His list of sons and daughters!
Any thoughts or ideas to the contrary are not coming from the Lord. These are lies that have been broadcast by the enemy, trying to convince us that the Father can't be that good, that we have sinned too much, that we have irreversibly damaged our identity and relationship with the Father. They are lies, and Jesus came to set us straight!
This morning I am just greatly encouraged by the mercy and grace the Father has for me! I am encouraged to step into my identity, and to look at any ways that I have not been in my right mind or listened to the lies of the enemy concerning the Father and His love for me!
Amen!
I will look at the story and then break it down as it refers to identity. Here is the story as recounted in Luke 15:11-24 NIV:
[11] "Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. [12] The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them."
[13] “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. [14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
[17] “When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' [20] So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
[21] “The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
[22] “But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [23] Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. [24] For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."
What an awesome story demonstrating the Father's heart, and His desire to restore us to our true identity!
Let me break down the story as I understand it. One of the things that is somewhat overlooked, in our present culture, is the statement the younger son was making in asking for His inheritance, His share of the estate. He was basically saying to the Father, I wish you were dead, I want nothing to do with you any more, I want out. I want my name set free, and I want everything that goes with that to go with me as well. It is important to note that this is the younger son, and often the oldest son inherited the land, but a good father always provided for all his sons and lent his name and authority and reputation to all his sons.
This son had decided he didn't need any of that help or relationship, so he moved to a distant land where it would just be him and whatever name he could make for himself. Unfortunately, left to his own identity he stumbled quickly and made bad decision after bad decision and ended up with nothing. Truthfully he ended up with less than nothing for he wasn't treated even as well as the pigs, and no one helped him. The truth is no one knew him, he had no family and no friends, for those he had developed were only friends because of his money, and when that ran out, so did they.
While he was in this depressed state he came to his senses, and realized that even the servants in His father's house were treated better than he was being treated. The fact that this is what he realized when he came to his senses, means that he hadn't seen this before, and previously had not been in his right mind. He had totally misunderstood who he was and what relationship with his father provided himself, as well as all the others, even the servants.
He immediately decided to head back home, but knew what he had said to his father in parting, and how deeply that would have wounded him, but figured he would ask to be a servant, just so he could eat and have shelter. He thought he had given up his identity, and now could only relate to his father as a hired hand or servant.
I love the father's response, as described by Jesus and it is important for us to note, for clearly this is a parable describing our Heavenly Father and us. The Father never revoked the son's identity, and never withdrew his love, or desire for relationship. In fact, every day he waited scanning the horizon to see if his son was returning to Him. As soon as He saw the son He ran to him and embraced him! Notice the son didn't run to the father for he was likely ashamed of his behavior and worried about what he last said to Him.
The father was overjoyed to see the son and was busy embracing him, and the son just couldn't even go there in his mind. Instead he still thought his only relationship with his father would be as servant, and so he tries to explain that to his father. His father, however, will have nothing to do with that type of thinking and immediately calls for public restoration of identity (sandals), authority (ring) and relationship (robe). One thing I just was researching was the significance of giving the son back his sandals. Here is a quote I found referring to the significance of shoes:
"Then the biblical tradition took a further step. The ‘lifting up of the foot’ became more concrete and real with the ‘pulling off of the shoe.’” [26] This act before witnesses was a legal attestation [27] that the party divesting itself of a particular piece of property was doing so willingly—and had formally and officially relinquished all future claims to that particular piece of property. [28] The removal of the sandal, slipper, or shoe at the end of the rite signified that the transaction was completed and that the ritual was legally binding." Full article may be found at : https://rsc-dev.byu.edu/archived/our-rites-worship-latter-day-saint-views-ritual-history-scripture-and-practice/ceremony
In other words, the giving back of the son's shoes was returning him to that which he left, namely his true identity as son of the father! What had been legally divested (his inheritance) was now legally restored! It was as if he had never left and all rights and relationship were fully restored! Wow!
It is almost as if he never left, never sinned, never failed, never made stupid decision after stupid decision - and that is exactly the point Jesus is making! This is how the Father loves us, how He treats us, how He desires us to understand our true identity! There is no second class son or daughter! He is waiting for us all to return to Him, to fully embrace our identity, to live in the fullness of what He has for us! This is true for everyone of us, no matter what we have done, or how far we have run away! He has never stopped loving us, never stopped waiting or us to return to Him, never crossed our name off His list of sons and daughters!
Any thoughts or ideas to the contrary are not coming from the Lord. These are lies that have been broadcast by the enemy, trying to convince us that the Father can't be that good, that we have sinned too much, that we have irreversibly damaged our identity and relationship with the Father. They are lies, and Jesus came to set us straight!
This morning I am just greatly encouraged by the mercy and grace the Father has for me! I am encouraged to step into my identity, and to look at any ways that I have not been in my right mind or listened to the lies of the enemy concerning the Father and His love for me!
Amen!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
The Attack on Our Identity - Our New Identity
This morning I am continuing my reflection on our identity, specifically as it relates to who our Father is. I was doing some thinking and realized that one of the major new revelations that Jesus introduced was a focus on God as our Father.
I was thinking back over the Old Testament and realized that theme was not very common at all. In fact after a very quick review of all the times "father" was used in the Old Testament, I could only find a handful of times where the term was used to describe God directly, a couple of times in Deuteronomy 32, in Psalms 2 and 89, Isaiah 9, 63 and 64, and Malachi 2. God is mostly referred to the God of your father(s), and in that instance there is always a certain amount of separation relationally.
Jesus spoke of the Father 40+ times in the Gospel of Matthew alone ( I got tired of counting but the rest of the Gospels are equally loaded), and that is a significantly new relational paradigm. One of Jesus' primary objectives was to reveal the Father to us! He revealed the true heart of the Father in His actions and in His words, and we would do well to listen and observe intently. This is one of the main reasons Jesus came, and it is critical that we take note.
In the dream I had yesterday, the issue that was being called into question was who my real father was, which is what a DNA test will tell you. In today's messed up world we use DNA tests to validate paternity, to determine who is one's father. There is never any doubt about one's birth mother, but fatherhood can be questionable. I felt like that was the point of the dream, to question my identity at the very core of who I am. One could argue that regardless of my DNA, I was raised by my Dad and thus am considered his son, and that is somewhat true, but there is a core issue of true Fatherhood here that needs to be understood and put to rest.
Paul used the term adoption to describe our relationship with the Father, and it is important that we not understand that in today's legal terms, but rather in the terms of the Roman law at the time. I wrote about this previously - see my Blog entry http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/06/adoption-as-gods-sons-and-daughters-its.html. The whole premise to the Roman adoption is that all legal and relational ties to one's previous identity are severed with Roman adoption, the individual who is adopted becomes a completely new person. From my blog - To quote Sarah Julian as she describes Justinian's description, .. "as a consequence of the extinction of his old persona resulting from the adrogation (adoption)". Literally, the person that existed before the adoption no longer existed after the adoption was completed, but rather a new person, now a son of the one who was adopting was created! This is what Paul is speaking about in this passage. Adoption by God means extinction of our former persona, we are now His son or daughter!
In essence this adoption was like being born again, this time with a whole new identity and father! Jesus actually speaks of being born again to the teacher Nicodemus in the following verses - John 3:3-7 NIV:
[3] "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
[4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!”
[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
Paul writes about the Spirit in his description of adoption because He is talking about exactly this same theme, adrogation or Roman adoption, and it is the Spirit that bears witness to us that this being born again has occurred. Here are the verse from Paul's letter once again - Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Reading those verses in light of Jesus' comments and a better understanding of Roman adoption, now makes total sense to me! We are new sons and daughters, we have been born again now with the DNA of God, as witnessed to by the Holy Spirit. Our old identities no longer exist, they become extinct at the time of our adoption (adrogation). We are now new children, new sons, new daughters, we have new DNA, and a new Father!
I know that is much to grasp, and something I am just starting to fathom. I pray that today, this truth might settle in your heart and mind! You are God's son! You are God's daughter! You have a new name, a new family and new DNA. We have been born anew, and thus while adrogation is helpful to describe the legal extinction of our old identity, we are actually supernatural born sons and daughters, and thus we have a new identity, we are God's real children.
Amen and Amen!
I was thinking back over the Old Testament and realized that theme was not very common at all. In fact after a very quick review of all the times "father" was used in the Old Testament, I could only find a handful of times where the term was used to describe God directly, a couple of times in Deuteronomy 32, in Psalms 2 and 89, Isaiah 9, 63 and 64, and Malachi 2. God is mostly referred to the God of your father(s), and in that instance there is always a certain amount of separation relationally.
Jesus spoke of the Father 40+ times in the Gospel of Matthew alone ( I got tired of counting but the rest of the Gospels are equally loaded), and that is a significantly new relational paradigm. One of Jesus' primary objectives was to reveal the Father to us! He revealed the true heart of the Father in His actions and in His words, and we would do well to listen and observe intently. This is one of the main reasons Jesus came, and it is critical that we take note.
In the dream I had yesterday, the issue that was being called into question was who my real father was, which is what a DNA test will tell you. In today's messed up world we use DNA tests to validate paternity, to determine who is one's father. There is never any doubt about one's birth mother, but fatherhood can be questionable. I felt like that was the point of the dream, to question my identity at the very core of who I am. One could argue that regardless of my DNA, I was raised by my Dad and thus am considered his son, and that is somewhat true, but there is a core issue of true Fatherhood here that needs to be understood and put to rest.
Paul used the term adoption to describe our relationship with the Father, and it is important that we not understand that in today's legal terms, but rather in the terms of the Roman law at the time. I wrote about this previously - see my Blog entry http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/06/adoption-as-gods-sons-and-daughters-its.html. The whole premise to the Roman adoption is that all legal and relational ties to one's previous identity are severed with Roman adoption, the individual who is adopted becomes a completely new person. From my blog - To quote Sarah Julian as she describes Justinian's description, .. "as a consequence of the extinction of his old persona resulting from the adrogation (adoption)". Literally, the person that existed before the adoption no longer existed after the adoption was completed, but rather a new person, now a son of the one who was adopting was created! This is what Paul is speaking about in this passage. Adoption by God means extinction of our former persona, we are now His son or daughter!
In essence this adoption was like being born again, this time with a whole new identity and father! Jesus actually speaks of being born again to the teacher Nicodemus in the following verses - John 3:3-7 NIV:
[3] "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
[4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!”
[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
Paul writes about the Spirit in his description of adoption because He is talking about exactly this same theme, adrogation or Roman adoption, and it is the Spirit that bears witness to us that this being born again has occurred. Here are the verse from Paul's letter once again - Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Reading those verses in light of Jesus' comments and a better understanding of Roman adoption, now makes total sense to me! We are new sons and daughters, we have been born again now with the DNA of God, as witnessed to by the Holy Spirit. Our old identities no longer exist, they become extinct at the time of our adoption (adrogation). We are now new children, new sons, new daughters, we have new DNA, and a new Father!
I know that is much to grasp, and something I am just starting to fathom. I pray that today, this truth might settle in your heart and mind! You are God's son! You are God's daughter! You have a new name, a new family and new DNA. We have been born anew, and thus while adrogation is helpful to describe the legal extinction of our old identity, we are actually supernatural born sons and daughters, and thus we have a new identity, we are God's real children.
Amen and Amen!
Monday, January 15, 2018
The Attack on Our Identity
Last night I had a very weird set of dreams, that seemed to continue much of the night. In my dreams, I had taken a DNA test and found out that I was an almost perfect match to a guy living in Colorado, and wasn't 100% match with my own brothers and sisters. This was obviously shocking news. since I am the second oldest and have always been raised to believe our family was all from the same parents (which is true in reality). In my dream, the more I puzzled on this, and the more I looked into our past life and my parent's past, the more I found out and the perfect family history started to unravel. It turns out that somehow this guy was my older brother, and as I asked my Mom about it, she sat me down for a long talk. That is where I woke up, and the sequence of related dreams ended.
As I was pondering these dreams, I felt like they related to identity. I felt like they represented an attack on our core or true identity (our DNA) as sons and daughters of God. The question that was being raised in my dream was about who my real father was, and what he was like. This same questions is constantly being questioned as it relates to our Heavenly Father as well. When we accept salvation we are adopted into God's family and become His sons and daughters. Our whole identity changes, and from that point on we are His. Nothing we can do changes His love and acceptance of us.
The enemy spends all his time trying to convince us of the following:
1) We are not God's sons and daughters
2) We are not loved by Him
3) He isn't a loving Father
4) Our life as we know it isn't real, or is too good to be true
5) Everything we thought we knew is wrong
The attacks of the enemy are all accusations, lies and deception. We need to listen to the truth! We need to think on the truth, and dig into the truth rather than into the lies. We need to be proclaiming that truth to those around us, to those who struggle to understand their identities. We are sons and daughters, and we need to hold tightly to that Identity!
If the main attack is about identity, than there is something critically important in that fact. I heard a preacher once say that the thing about our enemy is that he always tips his hand (shows us what he is about) and one of the ways he does this is in his attacks. The areas he tries to attack us in are always the areas he fears! So if he attacks our identities, then He greatly fears us learning to embrace and walk in our true identities as God's sons and daughters.
The theme of adoption and identity were huge for Paul. Here is what he wrote in his letter to the Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- and again in His letter to the Galatians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
If we are God's child, then we are meant to walk in intimacy in His name, in His authority, and in His power, just as Jesus demonstrated. This is the truth! This is what the enemy fears!
My prayer today is that the Holy Spirit will speak truth to my heart, and through me to those who need to hear the truth! We are God's sons and daughters and He loves us! We are not an unacknowledged step-child, we are not like Cinderella, we are His dearly loved and cherished children! We are His favorites!
Amen!
As I was pondering these dreams, I felt like they related to identity. I felt like they represented an attack on our core or true identity (our DNA) as sons and daughters of God. The question that was being raised in my dream was about who my real father was, and what he was like. This same questions is constantly being questioned as it relates to our Heavenly Father as well. When we accept salvation we are adopted into God's family and become His sons and daughters. Our whole identity changes, and from that point on we are His. Nothing we can do changes His love and acceptance of us.
The enemy spends all his time trying to convince us of the following:
1) We are not God's sons and daughters
2) We are not loved by Him
3) He isn't a loving Father
4) Our life as we know it isn't real, or is too good to be true
5) Everything we thought we knew is wrong
The attacks of the enemy are all accusations, lies and deception. We need to listen to the truth! We need to think on the truth, and dig into the truth rather than into the lies. We need to be proclaiming that truth to those around us, to those who struggle to understand their identities. We are sons and daughters, and we need to hold tightly to that Identity!
If the main attack is about identity, than there is something critically important in that fact. I heard a preacher once say that the thing about our enemy is that he always tips his hand (shows us what he is about) and one of the ways he does this is in his attacks. The areas he tries to attack us in are always the areas he fears! So if he attacks our identities, then He greatly fears us learning to embrace and walk in our true identities as God's sons and daughters.
The theme of adoption and identity were huge for Paul. Here is what he wrote in his letter to the Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- and again in His letter to the Galatians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
If we are God's child, then we are meant to walk in intimacy in His name, in His authority, and in His power, just as Jesus demonstrated. This is the truth! This is what the enemy fears!
My prayer today is that the Holy Spirit will speak truth to my heart, and through me to those who need to hear the truth! We are God's sons and daughters and He loves us! We are not an unacknowledged step-child, we are not like Cinderella, we are His dearly loved and cherished children! We are His favorites!
Amen!
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Hearing the Truth, Being Set Free to Remember and Believe
This morning I was just thinking about the fact that I have been journaling since college, since 1981 probably, or 36 years. Since going electronic in 2010 I have over 2000 entries in my journal. I have been blogging since 2011 and have 1300+ entries. I am certainly not bragging, but rather I am humbled to continue to be able to be poured into daily. I was thinking about how much I have written and I was thinking about how I had always wanted to be a writer, and how in some small way that is now true. Not that I am writing science-fantasy, as I had thought, but instead I am writing and recording the Lord's gentle leading of me, and my own formation in Christ.
God knows I have been a very slow study, and not done well in remembering everything He has taught me, but I know He remembers everything He has taught me, and knows how to connect my present mind to those memories. In that light, Lord, I give You full access and rewiring rights to my mind. I pray that You would strengthen the memories of You and delete memories associated with my disobedience and lies of the enemy. Holy Spirit, I know You can remind me of everything that You have said, everything that You have taught me and I pray that You will renew, and rework, where required, my mind!
Lord I pray John 14:26 over my mind and my life - John 14:26 NIV: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Yes Lord, remind me of everything You have said to me! Continuing that prayer, I pray the following over my life - John 16:13-15 NIV: "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [14] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
Lord, I pray that You will guide me into all truth! I pray that You break down any thoughts or strongholds in my mind that are based on the deception and lies of the enemy! Yes Lord, I want the truth to flow freely in my mind, washing away the stains of wrong thinking, and the old ways. I want to be set free to hear and believe and remember Your truth. I pray the following verses over my life - John 8:32,36 NIV: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [36] "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Thank You Jesus for speaking truth, for leading me to the truth, for setting me free. I know that You desire freedom for me, and that freedom is found in You, for You are the truth (John 10:10). I desire more truth and more freedom, I want to see my mind freed from the lies and wrong thinking that still rumbles around in me. I want to see all stains and old ways of thinking mopped up and cast out. I know that You have more to teach me, more to speak to me and I desire to ready and willing to listen and learn! I pray that you will make known to me all that You have received from the Father!
I know these are bold prayers, but I know You know what I am capable of learning, of receiving and of becoming! I trust that you desire me to walk fully in Your freedom that comes from fully knowing the truth!
As I was writing this all I saw in my mind a picture of hands being laid on heads and these prayers being prayed over people who struggle with their thoughts and mindsets. Lord, I know that You desire to touch and heal, to cleanse and to set free all of Your sons and daughters. I pray that even now You would bring healing and restoration, freedom and truth to those that are deceived, those that are struggling, those that are chained, those that long for freedom but don't have any hope or understanding of how to get free. Lord release truth and freedom! Set your sons and daughters free!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Being Mentored By God - An Invitation
This morning I was reflecting some more on hearing God and learning to listen. As I was doing so, I was reminded of the ways others have experienced hearing and being guided by the Lord. I was thinking of the multiple and varied ways God speaks, and how He desires us to grow in our abilities to hear, and desires us to grow in the breadth of our experience of His speaking. I was moved to pray the following prayer - "Lord, I want to grow in my ability to hear You! I want to be open to You expanding how You speak."
At that point I decided to open my Bible, and immediately thought of Matthew Chapter 11. Now I have read Matthew's Gospel many times, but I still don't know what's all in each chapter, although I might remember some of the verses in a particular chapter. So I turned to Matthew 11 not knowing what I would read. Within in a minute of praying that prayer, these are the verses I read - Matthew 11:25-27 NIV:
[25] "At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."
[27] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Talk about an immediate answer to one's prayer! Here I am asking for greater revelation, learning new things and experiencing new things, and I am led to a set of verses where Jesus is talking about revealing hidden things, and how it pleases the Father to do so! He is talking about revealing these things in the place of relationship, which requires communication! Wow!
Thank You Lord, for so quickly confirming that You hear my prayers and answer them. I thank You that You take pleasure in my pursuit of You, in my pursuit of learning to hear and understand. I am so grateful for all that You have taught me, and for all that you will reveal to me!
I was just thinking about how similar this is to my joy in teaching my son and daughter about my job and experiences in the telecommunications industry. In both of their lives, I have had the opportunity to pour into them from my years of experience, as they worked for me as interns and I mentored them. I am just grateful they want to learn from me, and value my experience and knowledge. It fills me with pride and joy as I see their accomplishments and demonstrated knowledge, as I see them grow and advance. In the same way, I believe the Father takes pleasure and joy in our pursuing Him for understanding and greater experience of Him! In a very real way, we are all be mentored by Him! He desires for us to grow and become more and more like Him, and is just waiting to help us. I know that you have issued the invitation to each of us, and I, for one, am accepting it!
Wow! I don't know that I have ever thought of prayer and discipleship that way, but that is exactly what Jesus is talking about in these verses from Matthew. He is revealing hidden things to those that come to Him, to those who desire to grow in their knowledge and understanding. "No one knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" and we are some of those to whom He chooses to reveal the Father!
Wow! Wow! Wow! My heart is overwhelmed! I am so grateful that You consider me worthy of revelation, and that You take pleasure in my learning! Oh Lord, I ask for continuing revelation, for continuing growth, for hidden things to be revealed, for Your pleasure! I am so glad for this opportunity to be mentored by You!
I now have a deeper understanding of Paul's prayer for us in Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV:
[16] "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Amen and Amen!
At that point I decided to open my Bible, and immediately thought of Matthew Chapter 11. Now I have read Matthew's Gospel many times, but I still don't know what's all in each chapter, although I might remember some of the verses in a particular chapter. So I turned to Matthew 11 not knowing what I would read. Within in a minute of praying that prayer, these are the verses I read - Matthew 11:25-27 NIV:
[25] "At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."
[27] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Talk about an immediate answer to one's prayer! Here I am asking for greater revelation, learning new things and experiencing new things, and I am led to a set of verses where Jesus is talking about revealing hidden things, and how it pleases the Father to do so! He is talking about revealing these things in the place of relationship, which requires communication! Wow!
Thank You Lord, for so quickly confirming that You hear my prayers and answer them. I thank You that You take pleasure in my pursuit of You, in my pursuit of learning to hear and understand. I am so grateful for all that You have taught me, and for all that you will reveal to me!
I was just thinking about how similar this is to my joy in teaching my son and daughter about my job and experiences in the telecommunications industry. In both of their lives, I have had the opportunity to pour into them from my years of experience, as they worked for me as interns and I mentored them. I am just grateful they want to learn from me, and value my experience and knowledge. It fills me with pride and joy as I see their accomplishments and demonstrated knowledge, as I see them grow and advance. In the same way, I believe the Father takes pleasure and joy in our pursuing Him for understanding and greater experience of Him! In a very real way, we are all be mentored by Him! He desires for us to grow and become more and more like Him, and is just waiting to help us. I know that you have issued the invitation to each of us, and I, for one, am accepting it!
Wow! I don't know that I have ever thought of prayer and discipleship that way, but that is exactly what Jesus is talking about in these verses from Matthew. He is revealing hidden things to those that come to Him, to those who desire to grow in their knowledge and understanding. "No one knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" and we are some of those to whom He chooses to reveal the Father!
Wow! Wow! Wow! My heart is overwhelmed! I am so grateful that You consider me worthy of revelation, and that You take pleasure in my learning! Oh Lord, I ask for continuing revelation, for continuing growth, for hidden things to be revealed, for Your pleasure! I am so glad for this opportunity to be mentored by You!
I now have a deeper understanding of Paul's prayer for us in Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV:
[16] "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Amen and Amen!
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
On Hearing God Speak and Learning to Listen
This morning I am reminded of God's desire to speak with us! I am reminded of His ability to speak with us in many varied ways. God desires relationship with us, and to have relationship we must have communication that flows in both directions. He is about teaching us to hear His voice, and the many ways He can speak to us. Sometimes He speaks directly through His recorded Word in the Bible, sometimes through others, sometimes through what appears to be circumstances! God can use our imagination, our thoughts, our attention, our dreams, and even our day-dreams to speak to us. He is constantly speaking and He is inviting us to learn to listen to Him.
As a church we happen to be going through a book called "Reset" by Bob Sorge. It is an excellent book that gives very practical ways to encounter the Lord in the place of prayer, which really is the place of communication with Him. If you are interested in growing in your ability to pray, to listen and to hear, this is a great book to start with.
In a related theme, I share the following experience I had this morning. I have learned to hear the Lord in many ways and one of the ways He speaks is through numbers, which often correlate to pages or chapter and verse in my bible. This morning it was like God was highlighting His ability to speak a very specific word.
This morning I woke up early, as I often do, usually hoping I can go back to sleep another couple of times. Before I even turned towards the clock, I had the numbers 329 run through my mind. I don't normally have numbers run through my thoughts as the first thing I think of, so I noticed them. I then turned to the clock and it was 3:29am, exactly. That certainly got my attention. I sometimes have a pretty decent sense of time, but not when I am just waking from a deep sleep, so I figured maybe the Lord was wanting to speak to me, and it had to do with 329.
I was able to go back to sleep after that occurrence and when I got up at 5:15, I was reminded of the numbers 329 and decided to start by reading page 329 in my Bible. In my Bible, it is 2 Kings 18-19, the story of King Hezekiah and Sennacherib's threats against Jerusalem. It is an interesting story, and includes prophecy from Isaiah. I read through it and it didn't seem to move my spirit, other than being a good story of God's deliverance in the face of great difficulty.
Since that didn't seem to be the correct 329, I started checking other 329 combinations, looking for chapter 32 verse 9, or chapter 3 verse 29. As I was going quickly through the books, starting with Genesis, I came to 2 Chron 32 and the title of that chapter is "Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem" and it is the same exact story as what's on page 329 of my paper Bible, just the second recording of it. That caught my attention! One thing I have learned is that when God seems to be saying the same thing twice, it is for a reason, and I try to pay special attention at such times.
Although the section from 2 Kings was good, there were some verses in the Chronicles retelling that grabbed my attention. Here are two verses that stood out to me as Hezekiah encouraged the people in the face of an undefeated enemy army - 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV:
[7] “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. [8] With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said."
Later in that Chapter we see God acting on behalf of His people - 2 Chronicles 32:20-23 NIV:
[20] "King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. [21] And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword."
[22] So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side. [23] Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the Lord and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah. From then on he was highly regarded by all the nations."
It seems to me that this message must be important today! We need to know that God sees our situation! We nee to know that if we put our trust in Him, in spite of how things look in natural, God will move and deliver us. He can turn what looks like sure defeat into blessings. He is surely a greater power than any worldly force, and He will fight for us, and save us and bless us. It is right to turn to Him in prayer and ask Him for help, ask Him for deliverance, and ask Him for confirmation from someone else. God wants us to know that He hears us and answers us.
In a continuation of that theme and my pursuing to hear God, I was reading through some of the other chapter 32 entries and I came across Ex 32, which is the story of how Israel quickly abandoned God's ways when Moses was up on the mountain. They built a golden calf and worshiped it. God alerts Moses to the situation and sends him back down the Mountain. One would think that this is about the worst situation in the nation of Israel's history, and that God would respond angrily, and pretty much wash His hands of them. Instead, what I found that it is immediately after this that Moses has the encounter on the Mountainside where He sees God's glory. It is also in immediately following this event that Moses records how God comes and hovers over the Tabernacle in the form of the cloud, and meets with him face to face as a friend. I just find God's response to their sin and HIs next steps surprising. He opens the door to greater revelation of who He is, rather than withdrawing.
Personally for me, the theme of favor, or pressing into God's favor, of getting an upgrade in our revelation of God, and understanding His favor for me seem to be the topics of recent focus. So in addition to the focus on hearing Him in new and varied ways, I also feel like the Lord is continuing to confirm some of the things He has been speaking recently, and it is through the same 329 I heard earlier. God really is amazing!
Lord, I want to press deeper into Your favor and Your provision and revelation. I want to see You move mightily! I want to see Your glory! I want to walk in intimacy and revelation and trust in Your faithfulness. Lord, You are speaking and I am listening as best as I can. Help me to learn to hear You throughout the day! Finally, it is clear that You do not treat us as our sins deserve, but rather have favor on us and save us, and for that I am extremely grateful. You are so good and so amazing.
Thank You Lord!
As a church we happen to be going through a book called "Reset" by Bob Sorge. It is an excellent book that gives very practical ways to encounter the Lord in the place of prayer, which really is the place of communication with Him. If you are interested in growing in your ability to pray, to listen and to hear, this is a great book to start with.
In a related theme, I share the following experience I had this morning. I have learned to hear the Lord in many ways and one of the ways He speaks is through numbers, which often correlate to pages or chapter and verse in my bible. This morning it was like God was highlighting His ability to speak a very specific word.
This morning I woke up early, as I often do, usually hoping I can go back to sleep another couple of times. Before I even turned towards the clock, I had the numbers 329 run through my mind. I don't normally have numbers run through my thoughts as the first thing I think of, so I noticed them. I then turned to the clock and it was 3:29am, exactly. That certainly got my attention. I sometimes have a pretty decent sense of time, but not when I am just waking from a deep sleep, so I figured maybe the Lord was wanting to speak to me, and it had to do with 329.
I was able to go back to sleep after that occurrence and when I got up at 5:15, I was reminded of the numbers 329 and decided to start by reading page 329 in my Bible. In my Bible, it is 2 Kings 18-19, the story of King Hezekiah and Sennacherib's threats against Jerusalem. It is an interesting story, and includes prophecy from Isaiah. I read through it and it didn't seem to move my spirit, other than being a good story of God's deliverance in the face of great difficulty.
Since that didn't seem to be the correct 329, I started checking other 329 combinations, looking for chapter 32 verse 9, or chapter 3 verse 29. As I was going quickly through the books, starting with Genesis, I came to 2 Chron 32 and the title of that chapter is "Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem" and it is the same exact story as what's on page 329 of my paper Bible, just the second recording of it. That caught my attention! One thing I have learned is that when God seems to be saying the same thing twice, it is for a reason, and I try to pay special attention at such times.
Although the section from 2 Kings was good, there were some verses in the Chronicles retelling that grabbed my attention. Here are two verses that stood out to me as Hezekiah encouraged the people in the face of an undefeated enemy army - 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV:
[7] “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. [8] With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said."
Later in that Chapter we see God acting on behalf of His people - 2 Chronicles 32:20-23 NIV:
[20] "King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. [21] And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword."
[22] So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side. [23] Many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the Lord and valuable gifts for Hezekiah king of Judah. From then on he was highly regarded by all the nations."
It seems to me that this message must be important today! We need to know that God sees our situation! We nee to know that if we put our trust in Him, in spite of how things look in natural, God will move and deliver us. He can turn what looks like sure defeat into blessings. He is surely a greater power than any worldly force, and He will fight for us, and save us and bless us. It is right to turn to Him in prayer and ask Him for help, ask Him for deliverance, and ask Him for confirmation from someone else. God wants us to know that He hears us and answers us.
In a continuation of that theme and my pursuing to hear God, I was reading through some of the other chapter 32 entries and I came across Ex 32, which is the story of how Israel quickly abandoned God's ways when Moses was up on the mountain. They built a golden calf and worshiped it. God alerts Moses to the situation and sends him back down the Mountain. One would think that this is about the worst situation in the nation of Israel's history, and that God would respond angrily, and pretty much wash His hands of them. Instead, what I found that it is immediately after this that Moses has the encounter on the Mountainside where He sees God's glory. It is also in immediately following this event that Moses records how God comes and hovers over the Tabernacle in the form of the cloud, and meets with him face to face as a friend. I just find God's response to their sin and HIs next steps surprising. He opens the door to greater revelation of who He is, rather than withdrawing.
Personally for me, the theme of favor, or pressing into God's favor, of getting an upgrade in our revelation of God, and understanding His favor for me seem to be the topics of recent focus. So in addition to the focus on hearing Him in new and varied ways, I also feel like the Lord is continuing to confirm some of the things He has been speaking recently, and it is through the same 329 I heard earlier. God really is amazing!
Lord, I want to press deeper into Your favor and Your provision and revelation. I want to see You move mightily! I want to see Your glory! I want to walk in intimacy and revelation and trust in Your faithfulness. Lord, You are speaking and I am listening as best as I can. Help me to learn to hear You throughout the day! Finally, it is clear that You do not treat us as our sins deserve, but rather have favor on us and save us, and for that I am extremely grateful. You are so good and so amazing.
Thank You Lord!
Monday, January 8, 2018
God's Favor During Difficult and Confusing Times
This morning as I was praying, I had a bit of a image and understanding pop into my mind. I was thinking about God's favor and how He works in our lives. I was thinking about how we can be in seasons of grace, and Him doing awesome things and then we run into something that is difficult and seems to distract us or change our direction. This can be very confusing, and if you are like me, cause you to wonder if you did something wrong, or missed God's directions.
The picture I had pop into my mind was the reworking of a major freeway interchange. Often times while they are working on the new interchange, with a strategic plan of making everything much smoother, there are times the traffic needs to be diverted over temporary lanes. Often these lanes are rough, and seem to slow traffic down, and can be confusing, but there is a plan in place and those diversions of traffic are temporary. These are put in place so that major work can be accomplished on the main path (Bridges torn down and rebuilt, etc.). If the diversion is significant enough, we can even wonder if we are on the right road, and become confused.
I felt like the picture He gave me this morning is a great example of how He works in our lives. We are moving forward in our lives in Him and suddenly we find our path forward diverted or blocked and we get confused, or concerned that we missed His guidance. What we don't have is His insight and master-plan for our lives. He is about upgrading us and improving our lives and sometimes that requires major renovation and construction. Sometimes it seems we are traveling backwards, or completely off track, but God has a plan, and in His plan we are moving forward. He never cuts corners on His building and construction in our lives, and sometimes He has to take us back through things that have hurt us or been difficult, so that He can heal us and straighten out our path and understanding. He is about a great work in all of our lives, and these times of transition, or reworking, of diversion are part of that upgrade process. We are not on the wrong road and we haven't missed His guidance or direction or will, He is just at work and the results will be awesome!
As I was thinking about God's favor I was reminded of something I felt I heard Him say a few years ago. One morning, as I was just waking up, I must have been asking for God's favor, and I felt like He said the following - "Unless I tell you otherwise, it is safe to assume that you are always under my favor!"
I asked for some greater understanding, and felt like HE replied - "You don't really understand my favor, it is much greater than you think. You are thinking in human terms about favor, and I am not Human. As my sons and daughters, you are always under my favor. I don't have favorites like humans due, you are all my favorites."
When looking at this from this morning's perspective of times of transition and diversion, the truth is that we are still in God's favor, regardless of how much work He is doing, and how difficult the time seems. He is working in our live and doing great things, but sometimes is just seems rough and confusing. However, we should not be confused about the fact that He still loves us, still has favor on us and still is moving us forward in His plan! Let us trust ourselves to the master builder, to the author and finisher of our faith, to the lover of our souls! He will never leave us or forsake us and is always at work to fulfill His purpose and pleasure in our lives! We can and should lean back into Him in these times and trust that His love for us never changes.
Amen and Amen!
For more on being in God's favor, here is a link to my blog from April 2015, when He first had me look into that theme - http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/04/today-is-day-of-lords-favor.html
The picture I had pop into my mind was the reworking of a major freeway interchange. Often times while they are working on the new interchange, with a strategic plan of making everything much smoother, there are times the traffic needs to be diverted over temporary lanes. Often these lanes are rough, and seem to slow traffic down, and can be confusing, but there is a plan in place and those diversions of traffic are temporary. These are put in place so that major work can be accomplished on the main path (Bridges torn down and rebuilt, etc.). If the diversion is significant enough, we can even wonder if we are on the right road, and become confused.
I felt like the picture He gave me this morning is a great example of how He works in our lives. We are moving forward in our lives in Him and suddenly we find our path forward diverted or blocked and we get confused, or concerned that we missed His guidance. What we don't have is His insight and master-plan for our lives. He is about upgrading us and improving our lives and sometimes that requires major renovation and construction. Sometimes it seems we are traveling backwards, or completely off track, but God has a plan, and in His plan we are moving forward. He never cuts corners on His building and construction in our lives, and sometimes He has to take us back through things that have hurt us or been difficult, so that He can heal us and straighten out our path and understanding. He is about a great work in all of our lives, and these times of transition, or reworking, of diversion are part of that upgrade process. We are not on the wrong road and we haven't missed His guidance or direction or will, He is just at work and the results will be awesome!
As I was thinking about God's favor I was reminded of something I felt I heard Him say a few years ago. One morning, as I was just waking up, I must have been asking for God's favor, and I felt like He said the following - "Unless I tell you otherwise, it is safe to assume that you are always under my favor!"
I asked for some greater understanding, and felt like HE replied - "You don't really understand my favor, it is much greater than you think. You are thinking in human terms about favor, and I am not Human. As my sons and daughters, you are always under my favor. I don't have favorites like humans due, you are all my favorites."
When looking at this from this morning's perspective of times of transition and diversion, the truth is that we are still in God's favor, regardless of how much work He is doing, and how difficult the time seems. He is working in our live and doing great things, but sometimes is just seems rough and confusing. However, we should not be confused about the fact that He still loves us, still has favor on us and still is moving us forward in His plan! Let us trust ourselves to the master builder, to the author and finisher of our faith, to the lover of our souls! He will never leave us or forsake us and is always at work to fulfill His purpose and pleasure in our lives! We can and should lean back into Him in these times and trust that His love for us never changes.
Amen and Amen!
For more on being in God's favor, here is a link to my blog from April 2015, when He first had me look into that theme - http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/04/today-is-day-of-lords-favor.html
Sunday, January 7, 2018
A Dream and Prayer for MORE
This morning I woke up to a dream about a local church who ministers to and is focusing on the younger generations. I was visiting, and for some reason needed to pop over and visit a traditional Catholic church as well to go to confession. The way to the old church was through the leadership team's meeting area. So after I went over to the traditional church and was coming back, the leadership team of this young church was gathered around and getting ready to pray (it was after service was finished), they saw me there and asked me to stay and pray with them. As soon as we started to pray, I was reminded of the dream/inspiration I had on Tuesday about the Lord calling us to go higher than strategy and tactics on into vision, dreams and inspiration. I started to pray and exhort them to set their sights higher, to not settle for "Church as we know it, with an update for Millennials", and that is where I woke up.
As soon as I woke up I felt like the Lord continued to direct my thought and share the following bit.
"The church is supposed to be the Body of Christ here on earth! You are here to represent the Glorious, Ever-Expanding Kingdom of God! You are just starting to turn back toward the 5-fold ministries of the church and as you do so, you must look higher and deeper, dream bigger and not settle for church as you have known it. You are supposed to represent the ministry of Jesus! You are supposed to embody the Kingdom of God, to be victorious over the enemy and shine for all the world to see. In other words, you are meant for MUCH more than you are experiencing."
Letting that roll around in my spirit for a while I felt like the Lord is calling us to dream bigger dreams, to seek Him for divine inspiration, for vision that goes way beyond what we are experiencing today, or what we have always known church as. He doesn't want us sitting in our comfortable churches watching the world go to hell, He wants us out there representing Him to all the world! He wants us calling a lost world to Him, to His glorious body! He wants the world to know that they are His sons and Daughters, and that He loves them! He wants us extending mercy not judgment! He wants us to pursue the lost, the down-trodden, the poor and the harassed even as He did!
I felt like He said we need to see the resurgence of the Five-Fold ministries! We need the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (Eph 4:12) fully engaged and functioning. We need to be led once again by the Holy Spirit. We need to receive His inspirations! We need to see visions and dream dreams! We need to cast these dreams and visions to our brothers and sisters! We need to ask the Holy Spirit for Holy strategy and tactics! We need to ask Him for inspired plans for execution and delivery! We have settled for man-made and man thought up strategies and it is time we look to Heaven, to our Lord and receive from Him!
We are supposed to be a world-changing, signs and wonders working, glorious Body of Christ! We are supposed to rise and shine forth (Is 60:1-4)! The Glory of the Lord is supposed to inhabit us, to hover over us, even as it did the over the ark of the Covenant and the tent of Meeting (Ex 33:7-10). We are supposed to minister in Jesus' authority, going to all the Nations, proclaiming the Good News and the Word of the Lord, and God has promised to confirm His Words (Mark 16:15-20). We should experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, pouring forth and setting people's hearts on fire for Him! The places we are meeting should be shaken by the Power of the Spirit! The Glorious Name of Jesus should be lifted up for all to see! Its not about us, its about Him!
We need to lift our eyes up and look higher! We need to believe for more, more than we can even imagine! We need to dream bigger dreams, and encourage one another to go after the greater gifts! We need to be for one another, building one another up, not competing with one another! We need to build each other up, to encourage each other to maturity. I believe Paul was expressing these exact sentiments when he was writing his letter to the church in Ephesus. Here is an excerpt of him describing the growing and maturing of the Body - Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV:
[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
[14] "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
This morning I am encouraged to pray for my local church, for the people, for the pastors, for the leadership, for the churches in the city, the region, even the whole world! We are all part of the One Body of Christ, regardless of our denomination or organizational affiliation! I am encouraged to pray for MORE, to dream for MORE, to believe for MORE!
Lord may Your name be Glorified in and through us!
Amen!
As soon as I woke up I felt like the Lord continued to direct my thought and share the following bit.
"The church is supposed to be the Body of Christ here on earth! You are here to represent the Glorious, Ever-Expanding Kingdom of God! You are just starting to turn back toward the 5-fold ministries of the church and as you do so, you must look higher and deeper, dream bigger and not settle for church as you have known it. You are supposed to represent the ministry of Jesus! You are supposed to embody the Kingdom of God, to be victorious over the enemy and shine for all the world to see. In other words, you are meant for MUCH more than you are experiencing."
Letting that roll around in my spirit for a while I felt like the Lord is calling us to dream bigger dreams, to seek Him for divine inspiration, for vision that goes way beyond what we are experiencing today, or what we have always known church as. He doesn't want us sitting in our comfortable churches watching the world go to hell, He wants us out there representing Him to all the world! He wants us calling a lost world to Him, to His glorious body! He wants the world to know that they are His sons and Daughters, and that He loves them! He wants us extending mercy not judgment! He wants us to pursue the lost, the down-trodden, the poor and the harassed even as He did!
I felt like He said we need to see the resurgence of the Five-Fold ministries! We need the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (Eph 4:12) fully engaged and functioning. We need to be led once again by the Holy Spirit. We need to receive His inspirations! We need to see visions and dream dreams! We need to cast these dreams and visions to our brothers and sisters! We need to ask the Holy Spirit for Holy strategy and tactics! We need to ask Him for inspired plans for execution and delivery! We have settled for man-made and man thought up strategies and it is time we look to Heaven, to our Lord and receive from Him!
We are supposed to be a world-changing, signs and wonders working, glorious Body of Christ! We are supposed to rise and shine forth (Is 60:1-4)! The Glory of the Lord is supposed to inhabit us, to hover over us, even as it did the over the ark of the Covenant and the tent of Meeting (Ex 33:7-10). We are supposed to minister in Jesus' authority, going to all the Nations, proclaiming the Good News and the Word of the Lord, and God has promised to confirm His Words (Mark 16:15-20). We should experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, pouring forth and setting people's hearts on fire for Him! The places we are meeting should be shaken by the Power of the Spirit! The Glorious Name of Jesus should be lifted up for all to see! Its not about us, its about Him!
We need to lift our eyes up and look higher! We need to believe for more, more than we can even imagine! We need to dream bigger dreams, and encourage one another to go after the greater gifts! We need to be for one another, building one another up, not competing with one another! We need to build each other up, to encourage each other to maturity. I believe Paul was expressing these exact sentiments when he was writing his letter to the church in Ephesus. Here is an excerpt of him describing the growing and maturing of the Body - Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV:
[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
[14] "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
This morning I am encouraged to pray for my local church, for the people, for the pastors, for the leadership, for the churches in the city, the region, even the whole world! We are all part of the One Body of Christ, regardless of our denomination or organizational affiliation! I am encouraged to pray for MORE, to dream for MORE, to believe for MORE!
Lord may Your name be Glorified in and through us!
Amen!
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Signs That Confirm!
This morning I felt led to read from the end of Mark's Gospel, and am reflecting on Jesus' last commission he gave to His followers - Mark 16:15-20 NIV:
[15] "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
[19]" After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. [20] Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."
I love the promises found in these few verses! "These signs will accompany those who believe" (Verse 17):
1) Authority over demons
2) Speaking new tongues
3) Divine protection
4) Healing through the laying on of hands
I also love the way Mark closes his Gospel, "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."(verse 20). This is both a promise and our inheritance , the Lord will work with us and through us and confirm His word(s). In other words, when we are preaching the Gospel, we are speaking His words. This is why its so important to faithfully present the Gospel!
Mark says that the Lord confirmed His words through the signs that accompanied the proclaiming of His word. Oh, that we would see that fully in our places of worship. Mark did say earlier that these signs would accompany those who "believe", so maybe the lack of signs points to a lack of belief?
Lord, we pray for an increase of faith and belief in Your churches. We pray that Your word might be faithfully proclaimed, and that You may confirm Your word!
Amen!
[15] "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
[19]" After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. [20] Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."
I love the promises found in these few verses! "These signs will accompany those who believe" (Verse 17):
1) Authority over demons
2) Speaking new tongues
3) Divine protection
4) Healing through the laying on of hands
I also love the way Mark closes his Gospel, "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."(verse 20). This is both a promise and our inheritance , the Lord will work with us and through us and confirm His word(s). In other words, when we are preaching the Gospel, we are speaking His words. This is why its so important to faithfully present the Gospel!
Mark says that the Lord confirmed His words through the signs that accompanied the proclaiming of His word. Oh, that we would see that fully in our places of worship. Mark did say earlier that these signs would accompany those who "believe", so maybe the lack of signs points to a lack of belief?
Lord, we pray for an increase of faith and belief in Your churches. We pray that Your word might be faithfully proclaimed, and that You may confirm Your word!
Amen!
Thursday, January 4, 2018
A Year of God's Favor!
Yesterday I was reflecting on the opening lines of the Sermon on the Mount and I noticed a significant parallel that I wanted to explore this morning. The parallel was to the verses in Isaiah 61, that speak of the coming of the Messiah.
To start - here are the verses from Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV:
[1] "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
[2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
[3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion--
-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
And here are the verses from Matthew 5:3-10 NIV:
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
[5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
The verses from Isaiah 61:1-2 are the same ones that Jesus read in the Synagogue when he announced the fulfillment (Luke 4: 16-20). Clearly this prophecy was central to Jesus' ministry and to the Gospel. We see here in Matthew (it is also covered in Luke 6) a solid connection to Jesus primary message.
Jesus clearly starts with a message of hope to the poor, the poor in spirit, or as we discovered yesterday the humble. Isaiah says the Messiah will proclaim "Good news" to the poor. It is interesting that the word Gospel means "good news"! Can you think of any better news then you inheriting the kingdom of heaven and the earth (See verse 3 & 5 above)? Again, Jesus is announcing the Good News, proclaiming what He has come to do, who He has come to save, who He is focused on! The "Good News" is that it is the lowly, the humble, the seemingly unimportant, those whose primary trust is in God. He has not forgotten those in need. He has not turned a deaf ear to their cries for help! Those are the very people he goes to first!
I was just reminded of the movie the Titanic, where the first people to be considered for saving were the rich and powerful, and they had basically kept the poor and lowly, those who were housed in the stowage area, from being able to get to the boats. This is the exact opposite, Jesus goes first to the those that would be considered the working poor, those with no power or worldly authority! The message is clear - God cares for each person, and especially has mercy on those who find themselves in this state.
Secondly, in Matthew, Jesus proclaims comfort to those who mourn. The Greek word Matthew uses to describe comfort is Parakaleo, which is very similar to the Greek word used by John to describe the role of the Holy Spirit John 14:16,26. The word John used is the Greek word parakletos' translated advocate in the NIV translation, it is defined as follows:
1) summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid
a) one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
b) one who pleads another's cause with one, an intercessor
1) of Christ in his exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins
c) in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant
The definition of the word "parakaleo" is effectively the same. Jesus is basically promising the ministry of the Holy Spirit to those who mourn. In the verses from Isaiah, this promise would encompass the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners and those who mourn. He promises healing (binding up), release and freedom, and a year of favor. This year of favor was well understood in the Law as being a time of forgiving debts, setting captives free, restoring of what was lost (See Leviticus 25:10-17). That is a great message of hope and "Good News" to those who mourn and are lowly.
Finally we see Jesus address those who seek righteousness, who are hungry and thirsty to see this in their midst. Isaiah sees the fulfillment of the ministry of the Messiah bringing about a people who will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord. Jesus in his many parables talked about good soil, that bears good fruit, and hunger and thirst for righteousness provides good soil. Those that are pursuing God, desiring to see Him move, are willing to give, willing to change, willing to invest, willing to water with the Word - all of which are necessary for seeds planted to grow and mature.
In summary, we see Jesus proclaiming the Good News, the Gospel, to those who needed it most. We see Jesus comforting, blessing and releasing new anointed blessings upon those people who need God's touch, and I know I am among such people. The promises of God are true and will be fulfilled. We can trust Him to release that which is promised by Jesus, and seen by Isaiah. Jesus came with real help, real comfort, and real encouragement. He brings the same to us today! Let us receive from His promises, and let us proclaim the good news to those others around us that need to hear words of hope, words of life! Let us proclaim and embrace a year of God's favor!
Amen!
To start - here are the verses from Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV:
[1] "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
[2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
[3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion--
-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
And here are the verses from Matthew 5:3-10 NIV:
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
[5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
The verses from Isaiah 61:1-2 are the same ones that Jesus read in the Synagogue when he announced the fulfillment (Luke 4: 16-20). Clearly this prophecy was central to Jesus' ministry and to the Gospel. We see here in Matthew (it is also covered in Luke 6) a solid connection to Jesus primary message.
Jesus clearly starts with a message of hope to the poor, the poor in spirit, or as we discovered yesterday the humble. Isaiah says the Messiah will proclaim "Good news" to the poor. It is interesting that the word Gospel means "good news"! Can you think of any better news then you inheriting the kingdom of heaven and the earth (See verse 3 & 5 above)? Again, Jesus is announcing the Good News, proclaiming what He has come to do, who He has come to save, who He is focused on! The "Good News" is that it is the lowly, the humble, the seemingly unimportant, those whose primary trust is in God. He has not forgotten those in need. He has not turned a deaf ear to their cries for help! Those are the very people he goes to first!
I was just reminded of the movie the Titanic, where the first people to be considered for saving were the rich and powerful, and they had basically kept the poor and lowly, those who were housed in the stowage area, from being able to get to the boats. This is the exact opposite, Jesus goes first to the those that would be considered the working poor, those with no power or worldly authority! The message is clear - God cares for each person, and especially has mercy on those who find themselves in this state.
Secondly, in Matthew, Jesus proclaims comfort to those who mourn. The Greek word Matthew uses to describe comfort is Parakaleo, which is very similar to the Greek word used by John to describe the role of the Holy Spirit John 14:16,26. The word John used is the Greek word parakletos' translated advocate in the NIV translation, it is defined as follows:
1) summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid
a) one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
b) one who pleads another's cause with one, an intercessor
1) of Christ in his exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins
c) in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant
The definition of the word "parakaleo" is effectively the same. Jesus is basically promising the ministry of the Holy Spirit to those who mourn. In the verses from Isaiah, this promise would encompass the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners and those who mourn. He promises healing (binding up), release and freedom, and a year of favor. This year of favor was well understood in the Law as being a time of forgiving debts, setting captives free, restoring of what was lost (See Leviticus 25:10-17). That is a great message of hope and "Good News" to those who mourn and are lowly.
Finally we see Jesus address those who seek righteousness, who are hungry and thirsty to see this in their midst. Isaiah sees the fulfillment of the ministry of the Messiah bringing about a people who will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord. Jesus in his many parables talked about good soil, that bears good fruit, and hunger and thirst for righteousness provides good soil. Those that are pursuing God, desiring to see Him move, are willing to give, willing to change, willing to invest, willing to water with the Word - all of which are necessary for seeds planted to grow and mature.
In summary, we see Jesus proclaiming the Good News, the Gospel, to those who needed it most. We see Jesus comforting, blessing and releasing new anointed blessings upon those people who need God's touch, and I know I am among such people. The promises of God are true and will be fulfilled. We can trust Him to release that which is promised by Jesus, and seen by Isaiah. Jesus came with real help, real comfort, and real encouragement. He brings the same to us today! Let us receive from His promises, and let us proclaim the good news to those others around us that need to hear words of hope, words of life! Let us proclaim and embrace a year of God's favor!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Humility, A Good Place to Start
This morning I am reading from Matthew, having once again felt called to study the beginning of His time of ministry. Yesterday I spent some time reflecting on the logistics of His ministry, moving to Capernaum, and primarily focusing His early ministry in the region of Galilee. Here are a few verses that caused me to look deeper -
Matthew 4:13,17-25 NIV:
[13] "Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali--- "
[17] "From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
[18] "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. [19] “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” [20] At once they left their nets and followed him."
[21] "Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, [22] and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
[23] "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. [24] News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. [25] Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him."
First thought - Jesus left Nazareth, and went to live in Capernaum, which was located on the Sea of Galilee. People were more densely populated around the sea, and travel across the sea was relatively rapid. Capernaum had a population of 1500 or so. Nazareth was in the hills to the southwest. Galilee was considered out of the way, and the focus of the Romans and the Jews was not on Capernaum.
Secondly, Peter and Andrew, James and John were likely known to Jesus, as it is pretty clear that James and John were related to Him. I have conjectured that HE had spent time visiting His cousins, and that because of this He also knew Peter and Andrew, as they were also fishermen, working from the same village. I find it very interesting that Jesus started with family and friends as His core team. Peter, James and John were his three closest associates.
It is clear to me that none of this was by accident, and Jesus clearly had a plan and was guided by the Holy Spirit. He could have tried to start ministry in Jerusalem, but instead was content to start in Galilee in Capernaum.
He immediately started to proclaim His core message and demonstrate the validity of His message through signs and wonders and healings. Word spread quickly, for this was new and effective. Word of mouth is very quick to spread real news when it occurs. Jesus went to the local Synagogues and preached there. Not only did He preach, but He ministered with authority and power. This was the real difference. People had heard plenty of teaching and discussion, but being from the outer areas, they probably weren't used to real authority. Matthew actually records the fact that people were amazed at His teaching - Matthew 7:28-29 NIV: "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
Jesus was clearly ministering out of a place of intimacy and relationship with the Father. When He spoke, He spoke from experience. When He spoke, He spoke what the Father told Him to speak, so He was speaking with the Father's authority. What a difference that makes, speaking the message the Father gives you, versus speaking from your own opinion.
Early on in His ministry Jesus teaches the Sermon on the Mount, which some people call the Constitution of the Kingdom of God. He was providing a clear delineation of His teaching from what they had heard before. This was new, hear-felt and with authority. He was releasing new revelation, and the people's hearts were stirred! Jesus begins the sermon on the Mount with what we called the beatitudes, or blessings. In this first listing He is laying the groundwork for the character traits and focus He desires in His followers. He is also literally blessing those He is teaching, for we do know that His words accomplished what they were meant to accomplish (Is 55:10-11).
Here is how he starts His teaching - Matthew 5:3 NIV: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
That is certainly an interesting line to start one's teaching. Let us remember his audience were people from Galilee, which was considered the poor and uneducated areas compared to Judah. It could be compared with being out in the sticks, or deep country here in the US. There were not many cities of significance, the highly educated and ruling class tended to live elsewhere. These were simple folk, working people, farmers, shepherds, fisherman, townsfolk, not city-folk. Yet this is where Jesus began His ministry, and those to whom He directed His teaching and revelation.
I was reading Mathew Henry's commentary and thought he added some good perspective on Jesus' opening line, as follows:
"Now, (1.) This poverty in spirit is put first among the Christian graces. The philosophers did not reckon humility among their moral virtues, but Christ puts it first. Self-denial is the first lesson to be learned in his school, and poverty of spirit entitled to the first beatitude. The foundation of all other graces is laid in humility. Those who would build high must begin low; and it is an excellent preparative for the entrance of gospel-grace into the soul; it fits the soil to receive the seed. Those who are weary and heavy laden, are the poor in spirit, and they shall find rest with Christ.
(2.) They are blessed. Now they are so, in this world. God looks graciously upon them. They are his little ones, and have their angels. To them he gives more grace; they live the most comfortable lives, and are easy to themselves and all about them, and nothing comes amiss to them; while high spirits are always uneasy.
(3.) Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of grace is composed of such; they only are fit to be members of Christ's church, which is called the congregation of the poor (Psalms 74:19); the kingdom of glory is prepared for them. Those who thus humble themselves, and comply with God when he humbles them, shall be thus exalted. The great, high spirits go away with the glory of the kingdoms of the earth; but the humble, mild, and yielding souls obtain the glory of the kingdom of heaven. We are ready to think concerning those who are rich, and do good with their riches, that, no doubt, theirs is the kingdom of heaven; for they can thus lay up in store a good security for the time to come; but what shall the poor do, who have not wherewithal to do good? Why, the same happiness is promised to those who are contentedly poor, as to those who are usefully rich. If I am not able to spend cheerfully for his sake, if I can but want cheerfully for his sake, even that shall be recompensed. And do not we serve a good master then?"
( http://classic.studylight.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=mt&chapter=5&verse=3#Mt5_3)
In summary, God does things in ways that are surprising. He begins His ministry in the deep country regions, focusing on the working class, not the ruling class. He ministers out of authority and intimacy, and the people are amazed. His ministry is accompanied by signs and wonders, healings and deliverance and people immediately recognize that this is radically different from what they have seen and heard previously. Finally as the chief foundation stone of ministry He lays humility! That had to be completely unexpected even though it was a characteristic of the Messiah according to prophecy (See Isaiah 42:1-3; Isaiah 53:1-3; Isaiah 61:1-3). We just have a hard time believing that God came to earth and chose to reveal Himself in humility and to people who were not deemed important! Could it be that God sees these people as just as valuable as the self-proclaimed "important" people?
I am encouraged today to look for the opportunities to represent Jesus in the same way He revealed himself. I am encouraged to embrace humility, for it is foundation of His ministry! If humility is where He started then it is a good place for me to start too. In addition, I am encouraged to see the value in those around me, those of humble means and hard-working. I am encouraged to believe that the Lord absolutely knows what He is doing, and if I follow Him, He will lead me to fulfillment of my purpose and calling. I am also encouraged to continue to press in to see His authority and power evident in and through me, for that was the proof of His witness.
Amen Lord!
Matthew 4:13,17-25 NIV:
[13] "Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali--- "
[17] "From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
[18] "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. [19] “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” [20] At once they left their nets and followed him."
[21] "Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, [22] and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
[23] "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. [24] News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. [25] Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him."
First thought - Jesus left Nazareth, and went to live in Capernaum, which was located on the Sea of Galilee. People were more densely populated around the sea, and travel across the sea was relatively rapid. Capernaum had a population of 1500 or so. Nazareth was in the hills to the southwest. Galilee was considered out of the way, and the focus of the Romans and the Jews was not on Capernaum.
Secondly, Peter and Andrew, James and John were likely known to Jesus, as it is pretty clear that James and John were related to Him. I have conjectured that HE had spent time visiting His cousins, and that because of this He also knew Peter and Andrew, as they were also fishermen, working from the same village. I find it very interesting that Jesus started with family and friends as His core team. Peter, James and John were his three closest associates.
It is clear to me that none of this was by accident, and Jesus clearly had a plan and was guided by the Holy Spirit. He could have tried to start ministry in Jerusalem, but instead was content to start in Galilee in Capernaum.
He immediately started to proclaim His core message and demonstrate the validity of His message through signs and wonders and healings. Word spread quickly, for this was new and effective. Word of mouth is very quick to spread real news when it occurs. Jesus went to the local Synagogues and preached there. Not only did He preach, but He ministered with authority and power. This was the real difference. People had heard plenty of teaching and discussion, but being from the outer areas, they probably weren't used to real authority. Matthew actually records the fact that people were amazed at His teaching - Matthew 7:28-29 NIV: "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
Jesus was clearly ministering out of a place of intimacy and relationship with the Father. When He spoke, He spoke from experience. When He spoke, He spoke what the Father told Him to speak, so He was speaking with the Father's authority. What a difference that makes, speaking the message the Father gives you, versus speaking from your own opinion.
Early on in His ministry Jesus teaches the Sermon on the Mount, which some people call the Constitution of the Kingdom of God. He was providing a clear delineation of His teaching from what they had heard before. This was new, hear-felt and with authority. He was releasing new revelation, and the people's hearts were stirred! Jesus begins the sermon on the Mount with what we called the beatitudes, or blessings. In this first listing He is laying the groundwork for the character traits and focus He desires in His followers. He is also literally blessing those He is teaching, for we do know that His words accomplished what they were meant to accomplish (Is 55:10-11).
Here is how he starts His teaching - Matthew 5:3 NIV: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
That is certainly an interesting line to start one's teaching. Let us remember his audience were people from Galilee, which was considered the poor and uneducated areas compared to Judah. It could be compared with being out in the sticks, or deep country here in the US. There were not many cities of significance, the highly educated and ruling class tended to live elsewhere. These were simple folk, working people, farmers, shepherds, fisherman, townsfolk, not city-folk. Yet this is where Jesus began His ministry, and those to whom He directed His teaching and revelation.
I was reading Mathew Henry's commentary and thought he added some good perspective on Jesus' opening line, as follows:
"Now, (1.) This poverty in spirit is put first among the Christian graces. The philosophers did not reckon humility among their moral virtues, but Christ puts it first. Self-denial is the first lesson to be learned in his school, and poverty of spirit entitled to the first beatitude. The foundation of all other graces is laid in humility. Those who would build high must begin low; and it is an excellent preparative for the entrance of gospel-grace into the soul; it fits the soil to receive the seed. Those who are weary and heavy laden, are the poor in spirit, and they shall find rest with Christ.
(2.) They are blessed. Now they are so, in this world. God looks graciously upon them. They are his little ones, and have their angels. To them he gives more grace; they live the most comfortable lives, and are easy to themselves and all about them, and nothing comes amiss to them; while high spirits are always uneasy.
(3.) Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of grace is composed of such; they only are fit to be members of Christ's church, which is called the congregation of the poor (Psalms 74:19); the kingdom of glory is prepared for them. Those who thus humble themselves, and comply with God when he humbles them, shall be thus exalted. The great, high spirits go away with the glory of the kingdoms of the earth; but the humble, mild, and yielding souls obtain the glory of the kingdom of heaven. We are ready to think concerning those who are rich, and do good with their riches, that, no doubt, theirs is the kingdom of heaven; for they can thus lay up in store a good security for the time to come; but what shall the poor do, who have not wherewithal to do good? Why, the same happiness is promised to those who are contentedly poor, as to those who are usefully rich. If I am not able to spend cheerfully for his sake, if I can but want cheerfully for his sake, even that shall be recompensed. And do not we serve a good master then?"
( http://classic.studylight.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=mt&chapter=5&verse=3#Mt5_3)
In summary, God does things in ways that are surprising. He begins His ministry in the deep country regions, focusing on the working class, not the ruling class. He ministers out of authority and intimacy, and the people are amazed. His ministry is accompanied by signs and wonders, healings and deliverance and people immediately recognize that this is radically different from what they have seen and heard previously. Finally as the chief foundation stone of ministry He lays humility! That had to be completely unexpected even though it was a characteristic of the Messiah according to prophecy (See Isaiah 42:1-3; Isaiah 53:1-3; Isaiah 61:1-3). We just have a hard time believing that God came to earth and chose to reveal Himself in humility and to people who were not deemed important! Could it be that God sees these people as just as valuable as the self-proclaimed "important" people?
I am encouraged today to look for the opportunities to represent Jesus in the same way He revealed himself. I am encouraged to embrace humility, for it is foundation of His ministry! If humility is where He started then it is a good place for me to start too. In addition, I am encouraged to see the value in those around me, those of humble means and hard-working. I am encouraged to believe that the Lord absolutely knows what He is doing, and if I follow Him, He will lead me to fulfillment of my purpose and calling. I am also encouraged to continue to press in to see His authority and power evident in and through me, for that was the proof of His witness.
Amen Lord!
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