This morning I am reading out of Matthew's Gospel, one of my favorite chapters. I am going to be looking at several verses, so I apologize for the length. Here are the verses - Matthew 9:9-26 NIV:
[9] As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. [10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.
[11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
[14] Then John's disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
[15] Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
[16] “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. [17] Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
[18] While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”
[19] Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
[20] Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. [21] She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
[22] Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
[23] When Jesus entered the synagogue leader's house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes,
[24] he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.
[25] After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. [26] News of this spread through all that region."
I think I will title this reflection, "Jesus' busy day", because if you look at the transitions from story too story, they all seem to happen one after the other. Look at the beginning of verses 14, 18, and 20. Each of these is the beginning of another separate conversation or situation, but each occurs while the other story or conversation is just finishing. I guess this shouldn't be surprising as I am sure Jesus was very much in demand, once word got around of His exploits.
Imagine if you heard that in the next suburb over from where you live, there was a minister who was seeing healing and miracles occurring every day! I mean, not just colds and stuff, but blind eyes being opened, people being raised from the dead, limbs being restored, and other dramatic and life giving miracles. I know I would be thinking I need to check this out, and maybe I need to bring a few of my friends with me, ones that I know need healing or miracles! One would hope that everyone that heard would avail themselves of this opportunity and encounter the goodness of God.
As I was thinking about this scenario, I realized that It is interesting that even though one would think something like the miracles I just mentioned would be a very news worthy happening, we would probably only hear about it via word of mouth. My thinking is that this generally isn't going to get any coverage from the news media, because Christianity is seen as a negative thing in most media presentations these days. Thus, while we have crazy access to things happening on the other side of the world, almost the exact same instant they occur, we often only hear about God moving in the exact same way Jesus became known in His day. Just an observation...
Anyway, back to Jesus' busy day. In this day He calls one of His future Apostles, has dinner at his place, meets and hangs out with a bunch of sinners, answers the Pharisees judgements, answers the questions of John's disciples, gives a significant teaching about new paradigms (New wine), heals a woman who suffering for 12 years and raises a young girl from the dead. Whew! I am tired just writing that down.
My point in all of this, is that this is what life could be like for each and every one of us! God working through us in big and small ways as we go throughout our day! We might not have as significant opportunities as Jesus, or maybe we could, but if we look at each day as a bunch of opportunities to be God's representatives to this world, we will likely approach life differently.
For example, yesterday I was doing a little grocery shopping and the checkout lines were long. I had a decent number of items, and saw this young mother wheel her cart up with only a few things in it. I told her to go in front of me, and she thanked me and did. We started some polite conversation while waiting and I found out she had recently moved here from the south, and was suffering from the cold winter we had. As we were talking I felt like the Lord, nudged me to buy her groceries for her, and my first thought was that would be weird. However, the idea persisted, so I told her I wanted to pay for her groceries. She was shocked and started to protest, but I insisted and just said God Bless you. Nothing big at all. She thanked me profusely and introduced herself. It wasn't a big deal, but I could feel the Lord's pleasure in my obedience and in the blessing she received.
I don't share this to draw light to my amazing act of kindness, because it wasn't. I share this because the Lord said afterwards, "imagine what it would be like if you went grocery shopping and were always looking for opportunities to bless someone, using this simple approach." I had to admit that I had never even thought that way before! I imagine this was the way Jesus lived His life, in constant anticipation of the Father giving Him a new opportunity and assignment, one after the other, day in and day out! On one hand it seems tiring, but on the other hand, what an exciting way to live!!!
My next opportunity followed shortly after my grocery shopping when I had to stop by another location to run an errand. As I got out of my car and started walking in, two cars down was a young man that I have known since he was two, who I haven't seen in probably five years. They just happened to be walking in at the same exact time, and had parked two cars away. Coincidence? I don't think so. We had a nice chat, and I had the opportunity to offer them a blessing on the way in. As we walked in together I ran into a bunch of friends from our church, who I have never run into in public before. Another coincidence, I think not. If I had delayed one minute I wouldn't have seen them at all. We exchanged some quick greetings and continued on. It seems that the Lord is highlighting the opportunities all around me to be a Light, to represent Him, to bless and do good, to present kindness instead of judgement as one of His followers!
Most of the time I want the big and glorious experiences, but what is available everyday are the small touches and interactions that are common to us all. What if the Lord chooses to move through these ways just as much as through the big and glorious. Maybe the young women needed to know that God saw her and loved her, and would provide for her. Maybe the young man and his wife needed encouragement and I provided that. Maybe if I had been more aware, more in tune to the what the Lord was doing, I might have had some word from the Lord for them!
My encouragement this day is to learn to live my days in anticipation of what the Lord might be doing through my normal daily life. I am encouraged to think differently about little things like going to the grocery store, running errands, getting gas, seeing in each and every situation opportunities to be a witness to the Light that lives in me, blessing people, being kind to people, sharing the Love of God with those I meet. All I need to do is get my mind off my own self and start looking around! I need to start thinking and acting differently! Help me Lord, you know I am often woefully selfish in my perception.
Amen!
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Live As Children of the Light
This morning I am reflecting on some direction Paul gave to the people of the church in Ephesus. Here are the verses - Ephesians 5:1-10 NIV:
[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."
[3] "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a person is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them."
[8] "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord."
Here Paul is addressing the Christian's, the followers of Jesus in this city that was originally Greek, and then flourishing under Roman rule. The Christians here were likely a mix of gentiles and Jews, thus there were some who were raised outside the teachings of the Law, and Paul is providing a bit of a moral compass in these verses.
First, Paul starts by reminding them of the call to love. As He wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians, love is the foundation of all, that which is most important, and which gives meaning to our acts and ministry (extreme paraphrase of 1 Cor 13). Above all else, we, as Christians, should be known for our love! Let's make sure that we lay that foundation correctly before we move to the next verses, which build upon this first most important commandment, to Love. (See John 13: 34-35).
Paul continues on and addresses three larger areas of sinfulness that seem to be represented in the church in Ephesus, for why else would he speak about them? He addresses sexual immorality, impurity and greed, and calls them to reject those in their lives. The question that comes to mind, is why these three topics?
We know from Acts 19, that Ephesus was home to the temple to Artemis, and much of the trade in the city was related to her worship. At one point, one of the silversmiths, whose trade in Artemis effects was impacted by the growing church under Paul, created such a stir that the city was in an uproar and rioting. However, logical that correlation might be, I don't think Paul was necessarily addressing the former followers of Artemis, but instead was looking at three of the most common issues we deal with even today.
Paul calls them all idolatry, and at the root, that is correct. Idolatry is worshipping, or giving ones-self to some other life pursuit to the extent that it becomes something we adjust our life for, other than God. When one is greedy, we are worshipping money and possessions. When one is sexually immoral, one is worshipping their own sexual desire. With impurity, the definition is a bit harder to nail down. The Greek word originally used here is 'akatharsia' and that is defined as follows:
1) uncleanness
a) physical
b) in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living
1) of impure motives
We can ascribe quite a few sin areas under the umbrella of impurity, but I think we could categorize this as thoughts that are not directed to God, but rather toward ourselves. Paul talks later about changing our mind-set and setting our thoughts on things above (Col 3:2) and I think that is good guidance here, as it relates to understanding impurity. We can be concerned about our lives here on earth to such an extent that we forget bout our heavenly call and invitation. We are called to be world-changers (Matt 28:19-20 & Acts 1:8), not focused so much on our own luxury, wants and desires.
Back to Paul's letter, he then gets pretty direct, saying that any who practice these three sins will not have any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. This is not speaking of those who struggle with these sins, but rather those that have identified themselves by their embrace of these, changing the way they think and act consistently. He is addressing those that are more concerned with their own kingdom that Jesus' and have not recognized His Lordship over their lives. He is also addressing those that were teaching something other than the Gospel, likely an encouragement to mix the following of Christ with some Greek or Roman religious practices.
Finally, Paul calls them to live as children of the Light. He calls them to let the Light of Christ that is in them, shine out to the world. He calls them to embrace those things that please the Lord. In other words, stop thinking about ourselves, and start thinking about God, and what pleases Him.
The point for me this morning, is to look at my life, at the foundation of my actions and make sure that I am following the way of Love. Secondly, I need to be making sure that my motives of my life's pursuits are God-focused rather than self-focused. I need to look to my life, and adjust it as necessary, making sure that the light of Christ is illuminating my life and those who come in contact with me. I want to live as a child of the light.
Amen.
[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."
[3] "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a person is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them."
[8] "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord."
Here Paul is addressing the Christian's, the followers of Jesus in this city that was originally Greek, and then flourishing under Roman rule. The Christians here were likely a mix of gentiles and Jews, thus there were some who were raised outside the teachings of the Law, and Paul is providing a bit of a moral compass in these verses.
First, Paul starts by reminding them of the call to love. As He wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians, love is the foundation of all, that which is most important, and which gives meaning to our acts and ministry (extreme paraphrase of 1 Cor 13). Above all else, we, as Christians, should be known for our love! Let's make sure that we lay that foundation correctly before we move to the next verses, which build upon this first most important commandment, to Love. (See John 13: 34-35).
Paul continues on and addresses three larger areas of sinfulness that seem to be represented in the church in Ephesus, for why else would he speak about them? He addresses sexual immorality, impurity and greed, and calls them to reject those in their lives. The question that comes to mind, is why these three topics?
We know from Acts 19, that Ephesus was home to the temple to Artemis, and much of the trade in the city was related to her worship. At one point, one of the silversmiths, whose trade in Artemis effects was impacted by the growing church under Paul, created such a stir that the city was in an uproar and rioting. However, logical that correlation might be, I don't think Paul was necessarily addressing the former followers of Artemis, but instead was looking at three of the most common issues we deal with even today.
Paul calls them all idolatry, and at the root, that is correct. Idolatry is worshipping, or giving ones-self to some other life pursuit to the extent that it becomes something we adjust our life for, other than God. When one is greedy, we are worshipping money and possessions. When one is sexually immoral, one is worshipping their own sexual desire. With impurity, the definition is a bit harder to nail down. The Greek word originally used here is 'akatharsia' and that is defined as follows:
1) uncleanness
a) physical
b) in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living
1) of impure motives
We can ascribe quite a few sin areas under the umbrella of impurity, but I think we could categorize this as thoughts that are not directed to God, but rather toward ourselves. Paul talks later about changing our mind-set and setting our thoughts on things above (Col 3:2) and I think that is good guidance here, as it relates to understanding impurity. We can be concerned about our lives here on earth to such an extent that we forget bout our heavenly call and invitation. We are called to be world-changers (Matt 28:19-20 & Acts 1:8), not focused so much on our own luxury, wants and desires.
Back to Paul's letter, he then gets pretty direct, saying that any who practice these three sins will not have any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. This is not speaking of those who struggle with these sins, but rather those that have identified themselves by their embrace of these, changing the way they think and act consistently. He is addressing those that are more concerned with their own kingdom that Jesus' and have not recognized His Lordship over their lives. He is also addressing those that were teaching something other than the Gospel, likely an encouragement to mix the following of Christ with some Greek or Roman religious practices.
Finally, Paul calls them to live as children of the Light. He calls them to let the Light of Christ that is in them, shine out to the world. He calls them to embrace those things that please the Lord. In other words, stop thinking about ourselves, and start thinking about God, and what pleases Him.
The point for me this morning, is to look at my life, at the foundation of my actions and make sure that I am following the way of Love. Secondly, I need to be making sure that my motives of my life's pursuits are God-focused rather than self-focused. I need to look to my life, and adjust it as necessary, making sure that the light of Christ is illuminating my life and those who come in contact with me. I want to live as a child of the light.
Amen.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Clean AND Fill
This morning I felt led to turn to James 4, and to spend some time reflecting on the following verses - James 4:4-10 NIV:
[4] "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. [5] Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ? [6] But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
[7] "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
As I am looking at these verses this morning, it is as if James lays out a 4-step process:
1) Submit to God.
2) Resist the devil
3) Come near to God
4) Wash and purify yourself of your sin and double-mindedness.
It is a four step process that we should follow to completion! Don't stop at steps 1, 2 or 3, but continue all the way to step 4. This reminds me of the spiritual principle Jesus described in one of His teachings. It is found in both Matthew and Luke, but I will use the version found in Matthew 12:43-45 NIV:
[43] “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. [44] Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. [45] Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
The idea is that it is not enough to cast out the nastiness and clean one's life, one must then fill one's life with good things, Godly pursuits. In the verses above, the evil spirit returns and finds the house unoccupied. The story would have a completely different ending if it came back and found the house occupied and defended. We must learn to submit to God, resist and cast out the devil and impure spirits and THEN draw near to God, and finally cleanse our minds and hearts completely.
The question is how to cleanse our minds and hearts? In the letter the Hebrews, the author speaks of the cleansing power of the Blood of Jesus, as follows - Hebrews 9:14 NIV: "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Paul writes of how the church is cleansed through the washing of the word in the following verses in his letter to the Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
Thus, cleansing has to do with the Blood of Jesus, and the forgiveness He purchased for us, and with the Word. We must not just resist the devil, we must confess our sins and be cleansed with forgiveness. We must then fill our lives with the Word, meditating on it, and filling our lives with it. We must learn to fill our houses with God, so that if the nastiness that has been previously driven out tries to come back, it will find our lives occupied and defended by God!
This all seems pretty straight-forward, and logical, and yet, I often think submitting and resisting is good enough. I find that in life, I often don't finish what I started, and that laziness affects me spiritually as well. I need to press on and draw near to God, and fill my life up with His works and His Word. I need to choose to pursue, choose to draw near, choose to fill-up, choose to read, choose to confess. I see a pattern here, and it has to do with choosing and then acting on that choice. Good intentions are not enough, I must choose AND act. In doing so, I fill up that which is cleansed and defend that which has been made clean.
Lord help me to follow through to completion what is in my heart to do. Help me to fill my house up with You!
Amen!
[4] "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. [5] Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ? [6] But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
[7] "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
As I am looking at these verses this morning, it is as if James lays out a 4-step process:
1) Submit to God.
2) Resist the devil
3) Come near to God
4) Wash and purify yourself of your sin and double-mindedness.
It is a four step process that we should follow to completion! Don't stop at steps 1, 2 or 3, but continue all the way to step 4. This reminds me of the spiritual principle Jesus described in one of His teachings. It is found in both Matthew and Luke, but I will use the version found in Matthew 12:43-45 NIV:
[43] “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. [44] Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. [45] Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
The idea is that it is not enough to cast out the nastiness and clean one's life, one must then fill one's life with good things, Godly pursuits. In the verses above, the evil spirit returns and finds the house unoccupied. The story would have a completely different ending if it came back and found the house occupied and defended. We must learn to submit to God, resist and cast out the devil and impure spirits and THEN draw near to God, and finally cleanse our minds and hearts completely.
The question is how to cleanse our minds and hearts? In the letter the Hebrews, the author speaks of the cleansing power of the Blood of Jesus, as follows - Hebrews 9:14 NIV: "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Paul writes of how the church is cleansed through the washing of the word in the following verses in his letter to the Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
Thus, cleansing has to do with the Blood of Jesus, and the forgiveness He purchased for us, and with the Word. We must not just resist the devil, we must confess our sins and be cleansed with forgiveness. We must then fill our lives with the Word, meditating on it, and filling our lives with it. We must learn to fill our houses with God, so that if the nastiness that has been previously driven out tries to come back, it will find our lives occupied and defended by God!
This all seems pretty straight-forward, and logical, and yet, I often think submitting and resisting is good enough. I find that in life, I often don't finish what I started, and that laziness affects me spiritually as well. I need to press on and draw near to God, and fill my life up with His works and His Word. I need to choose to pursue, choose to draw near, choose to fill-up, choose to read, choose to confess. I see a pattern here, and it has to do with choosing and then acting on that choice. Good intentions are not enough, I must choose AND act. In doing so, I fill up that which is cleansed and defend that which has been made clean.
Lord help me to follow through to completion what is in my heart to do. Help me to fill my house up with You!
Amen!
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Stewards or Owners?
This morning I have been reading a bit from Luke's Gospel. The verses I wanted to reflect on are the following - Luke 19:12-17 NIV:
[12] "He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. [13] So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'
[14] “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
[15] “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
[16] “The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
[17] “ 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
There is more to this parable, but this selection captures the key point that got me thinking this morning, namely the King's statement in verse thirteen. He gives the servants money (minas) and tells them to "put this money to work, until I come back." Clearly this story is a parable, and has deeper meaning for us. Jesus was speaking to a mixed group of His followers, as He was making His way towards Jerusalem. In Luke's Gospel this story is told shortly before Jesus ' passion and death, and thus we can ascribe a certain weightiness to this, as Jesus knew His time was running short.
Most commentators believe Jesus was alluding to the gifts that would be poured out on His followers after His death, which did later occur at Pentecost. Paul wrote about the many gifts we have received, and I think that these minas could certainly be indicative of those gifts. I think that we can also ascribe the individual blessings and gifts we have received in our lives as part of these minas, as well. To me, the main point is that they are given not for ownership, but rather for stewarding. The minas remain the King's property, and the servants were just supposed to put the money to work for the King.
If we believe we have been given gifts, blessings, and provision but at the same time believe that everything is still His, (even that which we are stewarding) then we should have a different attitude. Ownership allows for use and disposal, while stewardship always looks towards the returning of the property to the rightful owner. We don't get to use and consume these gifts for our own pleasure, but rather to further the King's rule and dominion.
So the question I am considering this morning is how effectively am I stewarding the gifts that I have been given? Am I providing proper return for the investment that has been entrusted to me for stewardship? Definitely something I need to think about!
[12] "He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. [13] So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'
[14] “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
[15] “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
[16] “The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
[17] “ 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
There is more to this parable, but this selection captures the key point that got me thinking this morning, namely the King's statement in verse thirteen. He gives the servants money (minas) and tells them to "put this money to work, until I come back." Clearly this story is a parable, and has deeper meaning for us. Jesus was speaking to a mixed group of His followers, as He was making His way towards Jerusalem. In Luke's Gospel this story is told shortly before Jesus ' passion and death, and thus we can ascribe a certain weightiness to this, as Jesus knew His time was running short.
Most commentators believe Jesus was alluding to the gifts that would be poured out on His followers after His death, which did later occur at Pentecost. Paul wrote about the many gifts we have received, and I think that these minas could certainly be indicative of those gifts. I think that we can also ascribe the individual blessings and gifts we have received in our lives as part of these minas, as well. To me, the main point is that they are given not for ownership, but rather for stewarding. The minas remain the King's property, and the servants were just supposed to put the money to work for the King.
If we believe we have been given gifts, blessings, and provision but at the same time believe that everything is still His, (even that which we are stewarding) then we should have a different attitude. Ownership allows for use and disposal, while stewardship always looks towards the returning of the property to the rightful owner. We don't get to use and consume these gifts for our own pleasure, but rather to further the King's rule and dominion.
So the question I am considering this morning is how effectively am I stewarding the gifts that I have been given? Am I providing proper return for the investment that has been entrusted to me for stewardship? Definitely something I need to think about!
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
We Are Born of God!
This morning I am picking up somewhat where I left off yesterday, in John's first letter. While my reading of scripture seems to bounce all over the place, it seems to me to resemble normal conversation, at least my normal conversation. I rarely just sit and talk about the same thing over and over again. Nor do I follow a train of thought for longer than a day or two (in general). Its not that I am ADHD or anything, I just have a very large set of interests, and like learning and thinking about new things. I find that my interactions with the Lord seem similar. We don't converse about just one thing, and I am not learning or reflecting on just a single theme. Most of the time a theme will run over 3-4 days, with some definite exceptions.
Usually when I sit down to pray, after unloading all the things I am thinking about into my journal, I ask the Lord where I should start reading, usually opening my Bible as I do so. Sometimes my attention is immediately grabbed by something on the page I open to, more often then not I hear (internally) the Lord give me a book, chapter and sometimes verse. I guess its a bit like a master teacher sitting down one on one with their student and knowing their curriculum so well that they are able to jump the student around to the different things that need addressing. I feel like that is the sort of relationship we have, where sometime the themes are related to things I am dealing with presently, and other times the themes are new ideas or things I will be dealing with in the near future. There are of course consistent themes, that have run across years and years, and these I consider my life themes.
Ultimately my goal in all of this is to become as much like Jesus as I can, to allow His heart and mind to become mine. I am trying to think like He thinks and see the world as He sees it. I am trying to treat people as He would, and love them as He would. I certainly am a far cry from being like Him, but try to get closer every day.
All that being said, when I opened my Bible today, I popped it open to where I left off yesterday, which was in chapter 5. The first paragraph grabbed my attention and that will be my focus this morning. Here are the verses - 1 John 5:1-5 NIV:
[1] "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. [2] This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. [3] In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, [4] for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. [5] Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
John's letters always seem a bit circular to me, not nearly as straight-forward logical progressions like Paul, with the exception of John's Gospel. Anyway, in this first paragraph, he covers several themes, including loving one another, loving God, obeying God's commands out of love, overcoming the world, belief and faith, albeit all of these themes are just touched briefly. Each of those thoughts could become major reflections, but today I am just going to focus on the first two verses.
John's first sentence is quite interesting - "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is born of God." This really is an explosive statement, in a good way. First, He says EVERYONE who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. We so often like to draw lines of division, separation, delineation according to our beliefs about certain words or themes, but John is cutting through all of that here. He is gathering us all into the same family, God's family. We are all equally born of God. The Greek word that was translated born is the word 'gennao', and its base definition is men who have fathered children. The root of the word would be genos - meaning offspring, family member, tribe and nation. Thus, no matter your denomination, your connection to the Body of Christ, Your earthly race, tribe or gender, if you believe the Jesus is the Messiah, you are part of God's family equally with everyone else!
Going back to the verses, John says our belief, our faith, in Jesus Christ is the point at which we are "born again" into God's family, born of God. Born of - means of His will, and that is not a spurious inclusion, but a very significant point. One of my favorite authors, Graham Cooke, says that God is always previous, as in He has already been in action prior to our getting to any point in our life. Our pastor, Randy Reed, said it well this past Sunday, "God is never surprised!" God is moving in all of our lives, even before we believe, just as a natural father is involved in the birth of their child in a very physical way, at least 9 months prior to their actual birth. In the same way parents await the birth of their child, preparing the house, getting the baby room set-up, visiting the doctor, getting regular checkups and tracking the progression of the development of their child, waiting for the day they are born, God watches over our lives even before we are born into His family! What a great thought! We are not accidentally added to the family of God, but are here because of God's will, purpose and loving preparation!
John continues this thought of being born into a family and adds that if we love our Father, we should love His other children as well!! This is likely where many of us will get stretched, for some of our brothers and sisters in God's family seem very different than us, and may even seem a bit unlovable. Regardless of our personal feelings, we are called to love one another. In fact this is one of the only commandments we have from Jesus. He said in 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.” This command applies to us concerning all of our brothers and sisters in the family of God! Even if they believe differently about a certain topic, if they believe that Jesus is the Christ, they are in the family and we are commanded to love them.
This is actually a VERY big issue these days. We are so quick to disassociate ourselves with those who might differ in their thinking or teaching of one particular theme. We were talking last week, in a weekly men's breakfast that I attend, about the causes of many of the divisions in our Body of Christ. We were talking about the Protestant reformation, the reasons why that split happened, the reason the Church of England split from the Catholic church, the reason behind the great schism between the Eastern Church and the Western Church and all of them had nothing to do with the primary belief of Jesus being the Christ. We have allowed our little arguments and disagreements over much lesser issues cause division and even hatred in our family! What a sad and horrible reality!
I could keep on running down this line of thinking, but I will stop my reflection on this point. I am called to love God AND love my brothers and sisters in God's family. We are all here of God's will and Purpose and He loves us each as much as the other! If we love our Father and His Son, and His Holy Spirit, we must endeavor to love His children as well!
Lord I pray for a rising up of Love in Your family, the family that You begot here on earth! I pray that Your love would fill us and allow us to knock down walls of division that we have erected! Help us to learn to love, to embrace, to welcome all of our brothers and sisters!
Amen!
Usually when I sit down to pray, after unloading all the things I am thinking about into my journal, I ask the Lord where I should start reading, usually opening my Bible as I do so. Sometimes my attention is immediately grabbed by something on the page I open to, more often then not I hear (internally) the Lord give me a book, chapter and sometimes verse. I guess its a bit like a master teacher sitting down one on one with their student and knowing their curriculum so well that they are able to jump the student around to the different things that need addressing. I feel like that is the sort of relationship we have, where sometime the themes are related to things I am dealing with presently, and other times the themes are new ideas or things I will be dealing with in the near future. There are of course consistent themes, that have run across years and years, and these I consider my life themes.
Ultimately my goal in all of this is to become as much like Jesus as I can, to allow His heart and mind to become mine. I am trying to think like He thinks and see the world as He sees it. I am trying to treat people as He would, and love them as He would. I certainly am a far cry from being like Him, but try to get closer every day.
All that being said, when I opened my Bible today, I popped it open to where I left off yesterday, which was in chapter 5. The first paragraph grabbed my attention and that will be my focus this morning. Here are the verses - 1 John 5:1-5 NIV:
[1] "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. [2] This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. [3] In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, [4] for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. [5] Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
John's letters always seem a bit circular to me, not nearly as straight-forward logical progressions like Paul, with the exception of John's Gospel. Anyway, in this first paragraph, he covers several themes, including loving one another, loving God, obeying God's commands out of love, overcoming the world, belief and faith, albeit all of these themes are just touched briefly. Each of those thoughts could become major reflections, but today I am just going to focus on the first two verses.
John's first sentence is quite interesting - "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is born of God." This really is an explosive statement, in a good way. First, He says EVERYONE who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. We so often like to draw lines of division, separation, delineation according to our beliefs about certain words or themes, but John is cutting through all of that here. He is gathering us all into the same family, God's family. We are all equally born of God. The Greek word that was translated born is the word 'gennao', and its base definition is men who have fathered children. The root of the word would be genos - meaning offspring, family member, tribe and nation. Thus, no matter your denomination, your connection to the Body of Christ, Your earthly race, tribe or gender, if you believe the Jesus is the Messiah, you are part of God's family equally with everyone else!
Going back to the verses, John says our belief, our faith, in Jesus Christ is the point at which we are "born again" into God's family, born of God. Born of - means of His will, and that is not a spurious inclusion, but a very significant point. One of my favorite authors, Graham Cooke, says that God is always previous, as in He has already been in action prior to our getting to any point in our life. Our pastor, Randy Reed, said it well this past Sunday, "God is never surprised!" God is moving in all of our lives, even before we believe, just as a natural father is involved in the birth of their child in a very physical way, at least 9 months prior to their actual birth. In the same way parents await the birth of their child, preparing the house, getting the baby room set-up, visiting the doctor, getting regular checkups and tracking the progression of the development of their child, waiting for the day they are born, God watches over our lives even before we are born into His family! What a great thought! We are not accidentally added to the family of God, but are here because of God's will, purpose and loving preparation!
John continues this thought of being born into a family and adds that if we love our Father, we should love His other children as well!! This is likely where many of us will get stretched, for some of our brothers and sisters in God's family seem very different than us, and may even seem a bit unlovable. Regardless of our personal feelings, we are called to love one another. In fact this is one of the only commandments we have from Jesus. He said in 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.” This command applies to us concerning all of our brothers and sisters in the family of God! Even if they believe differently about a certain topic, if they believe that Jesus is the Christ, they are in the family and we are commanded to love them.
This is actually a VERY big issue these days. We are so quick to disassociate ourselves with those who might differ in their thinking or teaching of one particular theme. We were talking last week, in a weekly men's breakfast that I attend, about the causes of many of the divisions in our Body of Christ. We were talking about the Protestant reformation, the reasons why that split happened, the reason the Church of England split from the Catholic church, the reason behind the great schism between the Eastern Church and the Western Church and all of them had nothing to do with the primary belief of Jesus being the Christ. We have allowed our little arguments and disagreements over much lesser issues cause division and even hatred in our family! What a sad and horrible reality!
I could keep on running down this line of thinking, but I will stop my reflection on this point. I am called to love God AND love my brothers and sisters in God's family. We are all here of God's will and Purpose and He loves us each as much as the other! If we love our Father and His Son, and His Holy Spirit, we must endeavor to love His children as well!
Lord I pray for a rising up of Love in Your family, the family that You begot here on earth! I pray that Your love would fill us and allow us to knock down walls of division that we have erected! Help us to learn to love, to embrace, to welcome all of our brothers and sisters!
Amen!
Monday, March 11, 2019
The Path to Life
Yesterday morning I was reading through some scripture and came across a scripture that has often been a point of reflection for me - the story of the rich young ruler. This story is found in Mark 10:17-23 NIV, Matt 19:16-30 and Luke 18:18-30. Sometimes when I read a story and see that is in the other Gospels, I will go and read those versions as well, so that I get the full story, as sometimes they differ slightly. In this case, Mark's recollection includes one very important point that Matthew and Luke leave out, so we will use his version. Here is Mark 10:17-23:
[17] As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
[18] “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good---except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.' ”
[20] “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
[21] Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
[22] At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. [23] Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
I have read many commentaries on this story, and they all bring up good points, but the tone thing that Mark adds, that I think is the key point of this whole exchange is the beginning of verse 21 - "Jesus looked at him and loved him." That statement should set the tone for how we understand everything about this story!
First, let me say that this is true of each and everyone of us! When Jesus looks at us, He loves us! Love is His primary modus operandi! Love motivated everything Jesus did! Love was the reason He came to earth (John 3:16). He is love! (1John 4:8)
When we read this story we must understand that Jesus was interacting with this young man out of His love for him. As we go back to the story, lets look at this from Jesus' loving perspective. The young man comes running up and fell on his knees before him - that is as close to worship as you can get, without an embrace. Jesus must have seen the eager zeal, the desire in the young man to be righteous. The young man was doing everything right, and Jesus questions him with a purpose to lead Him to the real answer of how he could achieve eternal life.
Some times people miss the whole point here, they think that Jesus was saying that he needed to embrace poverty to really attain eternal life. Jesus' next comments following this story have to do with the difficulty rich people have entering the kingdom, so we focus on the issue of wealth. However, if Jesus' main motivation is love, and He is leading the young man to the right answer - it has all most nothing to do with wealth or lack there of, and has everything to do with the actual invitation - to come and follow Jesus! I find that when people read this story, they stop reading verse 21 after Jesus says he needs to sell everything and give to the poor, and they miss the final sentence which is the one thing the young man lacks, relationship with Jesus!
No where else in scripture does the Lord speak about our finances or wealth in regards to being a key to eternal life! Jesus defines eternal life several times, and it is always about being in relationship with Him! If you do a study of eternal life in the Gospel of John - you will come across 17 different mentions of this theme. Jesus builds their understanding of this topic culminating in His final statement found in John 17:3 NIV: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." The word translated 'know' is ginosko, and it is probably best defined as being in an intimate relationship. The actual definition describes gaining knowledge, understanding, perceiving, even sexual intimacy. In this context it is pointing towards God the Father and Jesus - and is speaking of the type of relationship one has.
Back to the story, the young man was doing the proper things, but the one thing he lacked was relationship with Jesus! That was the invitation! The release of the trappings of wealth was meant to free his mind and attention, but it was nothing more than that! Jesus saw in him the hunger and desire for understanding and laid the invitation to relationship in front of him, because Jesus loved Him!
Sometimes people read this and think that the giving away the wealth was some sort of requirement to be welcomed into relationship by Jesus. That is why verse 21 is so important. Jesus already loved him, before He ever said a thing about His wealth!!! Jesus didn't require the man to do something before He loved Him! He saw the chains of responsibility that this young man's wealth had around his heart, and was looking to free him from those chains! His comment about the young man's wealth was given in love, as one who cares deeply for another. Think of it more like an intervention for a loved one. Sometimes we need to hear hard things from those we love to help us get free of whatever is holding us back and limiting our future. In this case Jesus looked at Him with love and laid before him the path towards freedom and greater relationship and intimacy with Him. It was a real offer!
This is the choice that is before us regularly - the path towards greater intimacy and relationship with Jesus. We can choose to follow him, or not. We can choose to step free from the chains that bind us, or not. Jesus has all authority and all power, so if we need help stepping free He is there to help! His love for us is always there! His motivation is always the same - Love! He is always endeavoring to lead us to greater life in Him. John made this very clear in his first letter where he writes - (1 John 5:11-12 NIV) "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
So, today I am encouraged to continue to press into knowing Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit - for there is where I will find and experience eternal life!
Amen!
[17] As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
[18] “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good---except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.' ”
[20] “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
[21] Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
[22] At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. [23] Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
I have read many commentaries on this story, and they all bring up good points, but the tone thing that Mark adds, that I think is the key point of this whole exchange is the beginning of verse 21 - "Jesus looked at him and loved him." That statement should set the tone for how we understand everything about this story!
First, let me say that this is true of each and everyone of us! When Jesus looks at us, He loves us! Love is His primary modus operandi! Love motivated everything Jesus did! Love was the reason He came to earth (John 3:16). He is love! (1John 4:8)
When we read this story we must understand that Jesus was interacting with this young man out of His love for him. As we go back to the story, lets look at this from Jesus' loving perspective. The young man comes running up and fell on his knees before him - that is as close to worship as you can get, without an embrace. Jesus must have seen the eager zeal, the desire in the young man to be righteous. The young man was doing everything right, and Jesus questions him with a purpose to lead Him to the real answer of how he could achieve eternal life.
Some times people miss the whole point here, they think that Jesus was saying that he needed to embrace poverty to really attain eternal life. Jesus' next comments following this story have to do with the difficulty rich people have entering the kingdom, so we focus on the issue of wealth. However, if Jesus' main motivation is love, and He is leading the young man to the right answer - it has all most nothing to do with wealth or lack there of, and has everything to do with the actual invitation - to come and follow Jesus! I find that when people read this story, they stop reading verse 21 after Jesus says he needs to sell everything and give to the poor, and they miss the final sentence which is the one thing the young man lacks, relationship with Jesus!
No where else in scripture does the Lord speak about our finances or wealth in regards to being a key to eternal life! Jesus defines eternal life several times, and it is always about being in relationship with Him! If you do a study of eternal life in the Gospel of John - you will come across 17 different mentions of this theme. Jesus builds their understanding of this topic culminating in His final statement found in John 17:3 NIV: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." The word translated 'know' is ginosko, and it is probably best defined as being in an intimate relationship. The actual definition describes gaining knowledge, understanding, perceiving, even sexual intimacy. In this context it is pointing towards God the Father and Jesus - and is speaking of the type of relationship one has.
Back to the story, the young man was doing the proper things, but the one thing he lacked was relationship with Jesus! That was the invitation! The release of the trappings of wealth was meant to free his mind and attention, but it was nothing more than that! Jesus saw in him the hunger and desire for understanding and laid the invitation to relationship in front of him, because Jesus loved Him!
Sometimes people read this and think that the giving away the wealth was some sort of requirement to be welcomed into relationship by Jesus. That is why verse 21 is so important. Jesus already loved him, before He ever said a thing about His wealth!!! Jesus didn't require the man to do something before He loved Him! He saw the chains of responsibility that this young man's wealth had around his heart, and was looking to free him from those chains! His comment about the young man's wealth was given in love, as one who cares deeply for another. Think of it more like an intervention for a loved one. Sometimes we need to hear hard things from those we love to help us get free of whatever is holding us back and limiting our future. In this case Jesus looked at Him with love and laid before him the path towards freedom and greater relationship and intimacy with Him. It was a real offer!
This is the choice that is before us regularly - the path towards greater intimacy and relationship with Jesus. We can choose to follow him, or not. We can choose to step free from the chains that bind us, or not. Jesus has all authority and all power, so if we need help stepping free He is there to help! His love for us is always there! His motivation is always the same - Love! He is always endeavoring to lead us to greater life in Him. John made this very clear in his first letter where he writes - (1 John 5:11-12 NIV) "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
So, today I am encouraged to continue to press into knowing Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit - for there is where I will find and experience eternal life!
Amen!
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Hope in Defeat
This morning I am once again reflecting on the the raising of Lazarus from the dead. I love this story for it reveals so much of Jesus' care for His friends, as well as the hope we should have in Him. Today I am just focusing on the the final bits - John 11:34-35,38-44 NIV:
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept.
[38] Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. [39] “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
[40] Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
[41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
[43] When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” [44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
I love Jesus last words - "Take off the grave clothes and let Him Go!" What freedom, what a celebration that must have been! I am sure they were all standing there like, "What should we do?" They were probably wondering if it was really Lazarus? They probably didn't have the Zombie TV shows we have these days, but I am sure they were all shaken to the core when they saw this body walking out of the grave. He had cloth around his face so they couldn't have known immediately that it was Lazarus, plus people who have been dead 4 days don't often look like themselves. Imagine their joy when the cloth is removed and they see their brother or friend standing there fully alive and restored! We know from the next chapter (Luke 12:2) that Lazarus was completely normal following his raising from the dead, for he is reclining at the table and dining with Jesus during a celebration in Jesus honor. Talk about a stupendous event!
This morning I feel like the message is hope in the face of absolute defeat! The sisters had sent a message to Jesus when Lazarus was getting seriously sick, and yet the Father had told Jesus to wait, and not visit Lazarus and heal him. They had done everything they could and yet, Lazarus had died. He was already in the tomb 4 days, likely buried the same day he died, or early the next day, so he was dead 4-5 days. The sisters were heart-broken, they were mourning, they were without hope. Their hope had likely died with Lazarus slowly in the days following Lazarus' death, even though I am sure they had heard of some of the stories of people Jesus had raised, like the widow's son in Nain (Luke 7:11-17), but in most of those cases the person had only been dead a very short while. Here he had been dead too long... and his body had begun to decay. I did a study a while back on the decay that is present after death - if you are interested n the process, see my Blog: https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/02/gods-promises-are-good-it-is-never-too.html.
Anyway, Jesus demonstrated that it is never too late for God! Jesus demonstrated that He was truly the Resurrection and the Life, as he had told Martha (Juhn 11: 25). He spoke and a man dead 4-5 days walked out of the tomb completely restored!
So the question this morning is what hope had died for you? What promise from God seems to be too late to be fulfilled? Are their grave clothes wrapped around your hopes? Are there chains of despair and hopelessness that seem to strong to break?
Jesus said He was the Resurrection and the Life and then He proved it! Let us rekindle our hope in Him for it is never too late for God! Let us throw off the chains, toss aside the grave clothes and rise up in the new life He has for us!
Amen!!
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept.
[38] Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. [39] “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
[40] Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
[41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
[43] When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” [44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
I love Jesus last words - "Take off the grave clothes and let Him Go!" What freedom, what a celebration that must have been! I am sure they were all standing there like, "What should we do?" They were probably wondering if it was really Lazarus? They probably didn't have the Zombie TV shows we have these days, but I am sure they were all shaken to the core when they saw this body walking out of the grave. He had cloth around his face so they couldn't have known immediately that it was Lazarus, plus people who have been dead 4 days don't often look like themselves. Imagine their joy when the cloth is removed and they see their brother or friend standing there fully alive and restored! We know from the next chapter (Luke 12:2) that Lazarus was completely normal following his raising from the dead, for he is reclining at the table and dining with Jesus during a celebration in Jesus honor. Talk about a stupendous event!
This morning I feel like the message is hope in the face of absolute defeat! The sisters had sent a message to Jesus when Lazarus was getting seriously sick, and yet the Father had told Jesus to wait, and not visit Lazarus and heal him. They had done everything they could and yet, Lazarus had died. He was already in the tomb 4 days, likely buried the same day he died, or early the next day, so he was dead 4-5 days. The sisters were heart-broken, they were mourning, they were without hope. Their hope had likely died with Lazarus slowly in the days following Lazarus' death, even though I am sure they had heard of some of the stories of people Jesus had raised, like the widow's son in Nain (Luke 7:11-17), but in most of those cases the person had only been dead a very short while. Here he had been dead too long... and his body had begun to decay. I did a study a while back on the decay that is present after death - if you are interested n the process, see my Blog: https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/02/gods-promises-are-good-it-is-never-too.html.
Anyway, Jesus demonstrated that it is never too late for God! Jesus demonstrated that He was truly the Resurrection and the Life, as he had told Martha (Juhn 11: 25). He spoke and a man dead 4-5 days walked out of the tomb completely restored!
So the question this morning is what hope had died for you? What promise from God seems to be too late to be fulfilled? Are their grave clothes wrapped around your hopes? Are there chains of despair and hopelessness that seem to strong to break?
Jesus said He was the Resurrection and the Life and then He proved it! Let us rekindle our hope in Him for it is never too late for God! Let us throw off the chains, toss aside the grave clothes and rise up in the new life He has for us!
Amen!!
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Faith AND Action
This morning I felt like I should read from James 2. That is an interesting chapter where James writes about faith and deeds. Scholars believe this was written sometime between 60-63AD, and James is confronting a heretical theme of faith and spirituality alone, with no outward manifestation of changed lives or of the new creation. The specific heresy isn't identified, but we still see this alive and well in the church today, those who are Christian in name and belief (alone), but whose lives are unchanged and whose actions and pursuits fly in the face of their "faith".
The verses I am reflecting on this morning are as follows - James 2:14-18,26 NIV:
[14] "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
[26] "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
These verses have always been a significant encouragement, and at the same time a serious check for my daily walk. I have been challenged to look at these verses and realize that in essence, my actions or my deeds prove what I really believe. I might say I believe in God's faithfulness, but do I really entrust my life, major decisions, and especially finances into care and direction? Do I seek Him for guidance, or do I do what I want and then ask Him to bless it? I might say I believe in healings, but am I praying for people regularly? I might say I am a follower of Christ Jesus, but am I trying to align my life with the way He lived, is there any outward proof that I follow Him? I am commanded by Jesus to love as He loved, but am I limiting my actions towards those I love to those things that do not require me to lay down my life, my preferences, my desires and even sometimes my needs? Am I a words only type of Christian??
All these questions have been questions I have asked myself, and found myself lacking. Each time I press into these verses I find that I am given an opportunity to change my deeds to align with my stated faith and beliefs, and that is a good, although sometimes painful, thing. My desire is to become more like Christ Jesus, realising that I have much to change and that there are many areas where I can grow. We used to say don't talk the talk, if you can't walk the walk, and that communicates the basic idea of this whole section.
Jesus didn't come to earth just to release good teaching that people could agree with or not. He came to establish the Kingdom of God, to bring radical change and new creation to those that believe! He died to save us, shed his own blood on the cross, paying for our sins, and restoring relationship with the Father! He defeated the great enemy and has all authority and power. His presence in our lives, is internal but has external manifestations!
I was reminded of a section of one of the earliest Christian apologetic letters written to Diognetus in the early 2nd century, describing those who lived as Christians. Diognetus was not a Christian and the author is writing to him to describe the Christian's life and beliefs. Here is the excerpt from the Letter to Diognetus:
The Christians in the world
"Christians are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life. Their teaching is not based upon reveries inspired by the curiosity of men. Unlike some other people, they champion no purely human doctrine. With regard to dress, food and manner of life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living in, whether it is Greek or foreign.
And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign country. Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not expose them. They share their meals, but not their wives.
They live in the flesh, but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law. Christians love all men, but all men persecute them. Condemned because they are not understood, they are put to death, but raised to life again. They live in poverty, but enrich many; they are totally destitute, but possess an abundance of everything. They suffer dishonor, but that is their glory. They are defamed, but vindicated. A blessing is their answer to abuse, deference their response to insult. For the good they do they receive the punishment of malefactors, but even then they, rejoice, as though receiving the gift of life. They are attacked by the Jews as aliens, they are persecuted by the Greeks, yet no one can explain the reason for this hatred.
To speak in general terms, we may say that the Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body. As the soul is present in every part of the body, while remaining distinct from it, so Christians are found in all the cities of the world, but cannot be identified with the world. As the visible body contains the invisible soul, so Christians are seen living in the world, but their religious life remains unseen. The body hates the soul and wars against it, not because of any injury the soul has done it, but because of the restriction the soul places on its pleasures. Similarly, the world hates the Christians, not because they have done it any wrong, but because they are opposed to its enjoyments.
Christians love those who hate them just as the soul loves the body and all its members despite the body's hatred. It is by the soul, enclosed within the body, that the body is held together, and similarly, it is by the Christians, detained in the world as in a prison, that the world is held together. The soul, though immortal, has a mortal dwelling place; and Christians also live for a time amidst perishable things, while awaiting the freedom from change and decay that will be theirs in heaven. As the soul benefits from the deprivation of food and drink, so Christians flourish under persecution. Such is the Christian’s lofty and divinely appointed function, from which he is not permitted to excuse himself."
From a letter to Diognetus
This morning I am deeply encouraged to look again at my life and examine my thoughts and actions! Am I living a life that is an example of being faith-filled and active? Am I living so that my deeds and words are aligned with my faith and beliefs? Am I truly loving others as Jesus loves me?
All good questions that require answers!
Amen!
The verses I am reflecting on this morning are as follows - James 2:14-18,26 NIV:
[14] "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
[26] "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
These verses have always been a significant encouragement, and at the same time a serious check for my daily walk. I have been challenged to look at these verses and realize that in essence, my actions or my deeds prove what I really believe. I might say I believe in God's faithfulness, but do I really entrust my life, major decisions, and especially finances into care and direction? Do I seek Him for guidance, or do I do what I want and then ask Him to bless it? I might say I believe in healings, but am I praying for people regularly? I might say I am a follower of Christ Jesus, but am I trying to align my life with the way He lived, is there any outward proof that I follow Him? I am commanded by Jesus to love as He loved, but am I limiting my actions towards those I love to those things that do not require me to lay down my life, my preferences, my desires and even sometimes my needs? Am I a words only type of Christian??
All these questions have been questions I have asked myself, and found myself lacking. Each time I press into these verses I find that I am given an opportunity to change my deeds to align with my stated faith and beliefs, and that is a good, although sometimes painful, thing. My desire is to become more like Christ Jesus, realising that I have much to change and that there are many areas where I can grow. We used to say don't talk the talk, if you can't walk the walk, and that communicates the basic idea of this whole section.
Jesus didn't come to earth just to release good teaching that people could agree with or not. He came to establish the Kingdom of God, to bring radical change and new creation to those that believe! He died to save us, shed his own blood on the cross, paying for our sins, and restoring relationship with the Father! He defeated the great enemy and has all authority and power. His presence in our lives, is internal but has external manifestations!
I was reminded of a section of one of the earliest Christian apologetic letters written to Diognetus in the early 2nd century, describing those who lived as Christians. Diognetus was not a Christian and the author is writing to him to describe the Christian's life and beliefs. Here is the excerpt from the Letter to Diognetus:
The Christians in the world
"Christians are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life. Their teaching is not based upon reveries inspired by the curiosity of men. Unlike some other people, they champion no purely human doctrine. With regard to dress, food and manner of life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living in, whether it is Greek or foreign.
And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign country. Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not expose them. They share their meals, but not their wives.
They live in the flesh, but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law. Christians love all men, but all men persecute them. Condemned because they are not understood, they are put to death, but raised to life again. They live in poverty, but enrich many; they are totally destitute, but possess an abundance of everything. They suffer dishonor, but that is their glory. They are defamed, but vindicated. A blessing is their answer to abuse, deference their response to insult. For the good they do they receive the punishment of malefactors, but even then they, rejoice, as though receiving the gift of life. They are attacked by the Jews as aliens, they are persecuted by the Greeks, yet no one can explain the reason for this hatred.
To speak in general terms, we may say that the Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body. As the soul is present in every part of the body, while remaining distinct from it, so Christians are found in all the cities of the world, but cannot be identified with the world. As the visible body contains the invisible soul, so Christians are seen living in the world, but their religious life remains unseen. The body hates the soul and wars against it, not because of any injury the soul has done it, but because of the restriction the soul places on its pleasures. Similarly, the world hates the Christians, not because they have done it any wrong, but because they are opposed to its enjoyments.
Christians love those who hate them just as the soul loves the body and all its members despite the body's hatred. It is by the soul, enclosed within the body, that the body is held together, and similarly, it is by the Christians, detained in the world as in a prison, that the world is held together. The soul, though immortal, has a mortal dwelling place; and Christians also live for a time amidst perishable things, while awaiting the freedom from change and decay that will be theirs in heaven. As the soul benefits from the deprivation of food and drink, so Christians flourish under persecution. Such is the Christian’s lofty and divinely appointed function, from which he is not permitted to excuse himself."
From a letter to Diognetus
This morning I am deeply encouraged to look again at my life and examine my thoughts and actions! Am I living a life that is an example of being faith-filled and active? Am I living so that my deeds and words are aligned with my faith and beliefs? Am I truly loving others as Jesus loves me?
All good questions that require answers!
Amen!
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Light in Our Darkness!
This morning I am reflecting on a short verse found in John's Gospel. Here we have one of the times that Jesus describes Himself - John 8:12 NIV: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
This is such a huge statement, hidden in a single statement. As in all things Jesus said, He did so at the behest of the Father, speaking only that which He was directed to speak (See John 14:10). thus, we must understand that His statement if revealing Himself, as well as the Father. I could write much on this title - "Light of the World", but instead I wanted to focus on the second part of Jesus' statement - "whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Those were the words that grabbed my attention this morning.
I believe that there is very practical help in this statement by Jesus. I find that in my on life there are times when I seem consumed by, or overwhelmed by difficulty, frustration, even a darkness of my mind and heart. At times, I don't even know why, and struggle to make sense of that which I don't want experience, but am fully engaged in. I find here, in Jesus' words, hope for relief and a lighted path out of the darkness back into the light.
Most often, I find that my times of darkness are related to a selfish mindset. I want something, but don't have it or can't have it, and become angry. Other times, it is offense that I have allowed to fester, again causing a selfish focus, or desire for vengeance. Still other times, it is feeling like my hopeful expectations have been crushed and ground to dust underfoot and I don't understand the bigger picture and am only seeing things from my perspective. Again, sometimes when things don't go as I planned I think I am being punished. The one common theme in all these scenarios is my self-focus and selfish perspective.
In Jesus' statement I find the only exit strategy (from these times) that works for me, and that is to turn my eyes to Him! I ask Him to shine His light into my life, into my situation, and show me the path out. Usually that requires me to lay down my personal perspective, my selfishness and desires, and seek Him, seek His Light, seek His Truth, and seek His guidance. I find that 100% of the time, He is faithful to lead me back to His Light.
I am grateful that He is the Light of the World, and is available to us all! He will never leave us in darkness, if we ask for His help! He will lead us out, gently, with mercy and compassion, and show us the way!
Thank You Lord for Your Light!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Unconditional Love vs. Judgment
This morning I was reflecting on my thoughts from yesterday, having to do with judgment. As I was thinking about that theme, I was reminded of Jesus' commandment, as follows - 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.”
Normally when I read these verses, I think about Jesus laying down his life for us, making a sacrifice, etc. This morning I saw it from a completely different perspective. Jesus, being the perfect man, the exact representation of the Father (Heb 1:3) interacted with people in a completely different way. Rather than judging people, He loved them. He was aware of their sin, of their struggles, of their pain, even of the way they thought, and yet He loved them.
I love the two stories that are in John's Gospel, concerning sinful women. The first is found in John 4 - the story of the woman at the well. The second is found in John 8, the woman caught in adultery. I love how Jesus loved them in spite of their sin and called them to their true identity. He didn't speak condemnation on them, although He clearly knew their sins, instead He spoke forgiveness, saw them as people of value, people that needed His touch and His love to set them free from their sin.
I can imagine the shock from the woman at the well when Jesus tells her about her past 5 marriages and that he knows she is living with a man who isn't her husband. Normally when confronted with our sin, we tend to want to escape or rationalize it away, and according to John, she does neither of those. Instead she responds, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet!" (John 4:19). She realized that Jesus knew her, and yet he was conversing with her, and clearly wasn't judging her. If Jesus had been judging her, I am sure it would have been a very short conversation. I know I don't stick around people that judge me!
The woman caught in adultery seems to have had a similar experience, although she wasn't in front of Jesus of her own free will. She was dragged in front of him and threatened with stoning, being used by the teachers to try and trap Jesus. What a terrible position to be in, held up in front of everyone, with your sin exposed, everyone in the crowd judging you! The lone exception was Jesus! That story ends as follows - John 8:10-11 NIV: "Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
As I was thinking about this, it almost has the feel of a lone Kung Fu champion facing off against an army to rescue a lone woman, who is a hostage and who is being used to bait him. The odds are totally stacked against Him, but with a deft blow He defeats the entire army aligned against Him, and her! I am sure she understood He was her champion, and likely followed Him the rest fo the days of her life!
Imagine what the church would be like if we treated people this way! Imagine if you walked into a church and felt loved unconditionally! Imagine if you understood there was no condemnation, no judgment, only love, advocacy, encouragement and healing. Imagine how different our approach would be if we chose to see people from the Lord's perspective, and treated them the way He would treat them! Imagine if we treated those in our families this way too!
We are called to love one another as He loves us!
Let us choose to love, not judge or condemn. Let us pray for those that we would normally judge! Let us ask the Father for His perspective! Let us extend love, mercy and compassion!
Amen!
Normally when I read these verses, I think about Jesus laying down his life for us, making a sacrifice, etc. This morning I saw it from a completely different perspective. Jesus, being the perfect man, the exact representation of the Father (Heb 1:3) interacted with people in a completely different way. Rather than judging people, He loved them. He was aware of their sin, of their struggles, of their pain, even of the way they thought, and yet He loved them.
I love the two stories that are in John's Gospel, concerning sinful women. The first is found in John 4 - the story of the woman at the well. The second is found in John 8, the woman caught in adultery. I love how Jesus loved them in spite of their sin and called them to their true identity. He didn't speak condemnation on them, although He clearly knew their sins, instead He spoke forgiveness, saw them as people of value, people that needed His touch and His love to set them free from their sin.
I can imagine the shock from the woman at the well when Jesus tells her about her past 5 marriages and that he knows she is living with a man who isn't her husband. Normally when confronted with our sin, we tend to want to escape or rationalize it away, and according to John, she does neither of those. Instead she responds, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet!" (John 4:19). She realized that Jesus knew her, and yet he was conversing with her, and clearly wasn't judging her. If Jesus had been judging her, I am sure it would have been a very short conversation. I know I don't stick around people that judge me!
The woman caught in adultery seems to have had a similar experience, although she wasn't in front of Jesus of her own free will. She was dragged in front of him and threatened with stoning, being used by the teachers to try and trap Jesus. What a terrible position to be in, held up in front of everyone, with your sin exposed, everyone in the crowd judging you! The lone exception was Jesus! That story ends as follows - John 8:10-11 NIV: "Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
As I was thinking about this, it almost has the feel of a lone Kung Fu champion facing off against an army to rescue a lone woman, who is a hostage and who is being used to bait him. The odds are totally stacked against Him, but with a deft blow He defeats the entire army aligned against Him, and her! I am sure she understood He was her champion, and likely followed Him the rest fo the days of her life!
Imagine what the church would be like if we treated people this way! Imagine if you walked into a church and felt loved unconditionally! Imagine if you understood there was no condemnation, no judgment, only love, advocacy, encouragement and healing. Imagine how different our approach would be if we chose to see people from the Lord's perspective, and treated them the way He would treat them! Imagine if we treated those in our families this way too!
We are called to love one another as He loves us!
Let us choose to love, not judge or condemn. Let us pray for those that we would normally judge! Let us ask the Father for His perspective! Let us extend love, mercy and compassion!
Amen!
Saturday, March 2, 2019
The Ugliness of Judgment
This morning I felt like I should read from James 5, and the following verses were my focus.
James 5:7-11,13-16 NIV
[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! [10] Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
[13] "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
The verse that caught my eyes was verse 9 - "Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters..." I find myself sliding into grumbling easily. I think it is an issue of selfish focus, and unbelief. I find that I have expectations and ideas of what I want to do, etc. and anything other than that and I start grumbling.
James rightly calls grumbling judgment, and judgment is an ugly bi-product of religion. Even without any faith connection, I think judgment is ugly. Clearly I am not speaking of justice, or deciding a legal case. However, don't be mistaken, when we judge someone we are judge, prosecuting attorney and witness against them all in one neat little package.
When we judge, we see something, assume the worst about that situation and accuse and condemn the individual without them ever having a chance to defend themselves! Whether its how they look, how they dress, how they drive, how they act, we issue our judgment without mercy! We have no idea what their background is, how they got to this place in life, etc. We know nothing, yet we think we can judge them. James warns us here that by doing so, we open ourselves up to judgment by God. I know I don't want to be judged by God for sure, I would rather be opening myself up to the mercy and compassion of God!
Finally, James warn us against grumbling against each other. Judgment is not something that is neutral, it is against! In other words, when we judge one another we set ourselves against them. Rather than moving towards unity, we are moving to separate ourselves from each other. Judgment creates division! In our minds we have already started destroying the relationship we might have had, or once had. Judgment is the antithesis of relationship.
Instead of judgment, let us be moved to pray for those that we are so quick to judge! Let us plead mercy and compassion upon them! Let us forgive where necessary, and extend mercy and compassion, and faithful friendship. Let us remind ourselves of where we have been and what we have come through. Let us remind ourselves of God's mercy towards us, and let us extend the same to one another.
Amen!
James 5:7-11,13-16 NIV
[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! [10] Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
[13] "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
The verse that caught my eyes was verse 9 - "Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters..." I find myself sliding into grumbling easily. I think it is an issue of selfish focus, and unbelief. I find that I have expectations and ideas of what I want to do, etc. and anything other than that and I start grumbling.
James rightly calls grumbling judgment, and judgment is an ugly bi-product of religion. Even without any faith connection, I think judgment is ugly. Clearly I am not speaking of justice, or deciding a legal case. However, don't be mistaken, when we judge someone we are judge, prosecuting attorney and witness against them all in one neat little package.
When we judge, we see something, assume the worst about that situation and accuse and condemn the individual without them ever having a chance to defend themselves! Whether its how they look, how they dress, how they drive, how they act, we issue our judgment without mercy! We have no idea what their background is, how they got to this place in life, etc. We know nothing, yet we think we can judge them. James warns us here that by doing so, we open ourselves up to judgment by God. I know I don't want to be judged by God for sure, I would rather be opening myself up to the mercy and compassion of God!
Finally, James warn us against grumbling against each other. Judgment is not something that is neutral, it is against! In other words, when we judge one another we set ourselves against them. Rather than moving towards unity, we are moving to separate ourselves from each other. Judgment creates division! In our minds we have already started destroying the relationship we might have had, or once had. Judgment is the antithesis of relationship.
Instead of judgment, let us be moved to pray for those that we are so quick to judge! Let us plead mercy and compassion upon them! Let us forgive where necessary, and extend mercy and compassion, and faithful friendship. Let us remind ourselves of where we have been and what we have come through. Let us remind ourselves of God's mercy towards us, and let us extend the same to one another.
Amen!
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