Unsearchable, Unshakable, and Uncancellable!

This morning I am reflecting on a few verses that will need some deeper research and reflection, from Hebrews 9:23-28 NIV:

[23] "It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. [25] Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. [26] Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27] Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, [28] so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

In reading through these verses, the part that caught my attention was the end of verse 26 where the author writes, "But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself."   That is a such a packed sentence, and one that is translated in various ways, but always with the same essential meaning.  Its points being that Jesus appeared (others translate it as manifested) at the end of the era, and put aside, or put away, sin.  

The author is speaking of the heavenly courts, the sanctuary and place where God dwells, and says that Jesus appears there.  His purpose is to cause sin to be disregarded, or put away, and Himself to be seen or regarded by the Father.  It is as if the Father, when He previously looked at man, saw sin, but now that Jesus has appeared as the perfect sacrifice, the Father only looks at Him!  What an encouragement!!  When the Father looks at me, He sees Jesus! He doesn't see my sin, because Jesus has put that away.  In effect, Jesus now represents me to the Father.

Many of us struggle with the finality of Jesus' sacrifice as it applies to all of our life, past, present and future, and we, in our limited human minds don't really grasp that reality.   I know I certainly don't grasp that fully, yet in faith I believe it is and must be true.  If Jesus put away sin, effectively retiring its eternal hold over me, then it can never undue Jesus' sacrifice and payment.  His payment was eternal, He now resides in that eternal throne room, and the payment has been made and the sins for all eternity are put away. Nothing can shake this reality, for it is accomplished, the price has been paid, and accepted.

We use words like "was", "now" and "are" to talk about an eternal event that was both inside  (33AD) and outside of time, and we must do so, for we can't really grasp a reality outside of time.  We can picture it, maybe, but to grasp the impact of such a reality in our present time-based reality is a struggle.  This is one thing I love about the Eastern Church, they are ok with mystery as it relates to God and His nature.  They don't think they need t figure it all out!  Embracing verses like these require a willingness to have things not quite fully settled, knowing that the translation of eternal reality into the any earthly language is just not possible.  

The author then goes on to talk about our death and judgment, which in light of the previous statement is interesting.  If our sins are put away, what then are we judged on? (For an interesting thought concerning this, see Matt 25:31-46)  Continuing that statement, the author than says that Jesus was sacrificed to take away the sins of many, not all.  This is an important distinction, I think, for salvation, while available to all, is not accepted by all.  It is in the acceptance of the salvation that is offered that His sacrifice is applied to our lives, and our sins are taken away, or put away.  This is all so amazing, and so unsearchable, it sounds much to good to be true. 

Paul writes of something similar, speaking of how, once we have received salvation, we are hidden in Christ, in his letter to the Colossians 3:3 NIV: "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." We, in our acceptance of His sacrifice, having His blood poured out for us, are thus cleansed and joined to Him.  When we receive Jesus' salvation, our old man is joined to Him in His death, and our new man is now hidden in Him.  Yep, another one of those not quite graspable realities.  

I could go on reflecting and meditating, but for today, I am sated!  He is my savior.  He has put away my sin eternally!  He now represents me to the Father. I am hidden in Christ, and He is in the Throne Room in Heaven!  I am quite sure I can rest in His eternal sacrifice as unshakable and uncancellable.  That such a  spectacular offering would be presented to me, for me to choose to accept, is beyond belief, comprehension or understanding, but it is true.

Thank You Lord for doing that which I will likely never fully comprehend, and for not holding my limited ability to understand against me! 

The Two Testimonies - The Word & The Works

This morning as I sat down to pray, and asked the Lord to direct my thoughts and prayers, the word "testimony" popped into my mind, rather than a particular book, chapter or verse.  This becomes much more of a treasure hunt, as there could be tens, maybe even hundreds of passages that are related to the word testimony.  I do enjoy an electronic version of the Bible in these instances, for searching by key-word is easy to do.  

As I read through all the verses quickly, I was surprised how many times the word testimony was used in the Old Testament (at least in this version of the NIV).  The use of it in the Old Testament was almost always related to a trial, and the testimony of a witness.  There are those that in their effort to discredit someone, bring false testimony, and the law sets standards of the proper use, and requirements.  I only mention this because it is into that culture that Jesus came and spoke.  

There are two significant places in John's Gospel where the topic of testimony is brought up, first with Nicodemus, secondly in John 5, after healing the man at the pool, when the teachers were questioning by whose authority He was acting, and causing a healing to occur on the Sabbath. The first conversation is not so much a proof, as an invitation into the higher reality of heaven.   Here are those verses - John 3:5-15 NIV:

[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 

[9] “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 

[10] “You are Israel's teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? [11] Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. [12] I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? [13] No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven---the Son of Man. [14] Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

I have a couple of observations, after reflecting on these verses;

1) The new birth by the Spirit, can only happen by the Spirit.  We are unable to force the Spirit to do anything.  

2) The Spirit brings new birth, and while the following growth can occur rapidly, there is a growth process that follows the birth.

3) This new birth, by the Spirit is the door into the Kingdom of God.

4) There are earthly things and heavenly things that are part of our testimony, and as such we must be open to both.

The second set of verses gets into a bit more legal positioning by Jesus, but He is appealing to the scriptures that they know, to establish the truth, which they just don't to hear.  

John 5:31-40 NIV:

[31] “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. [32] There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. 

[33] “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. [34] Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. [35] John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 

[36] “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish---the very works that I am doing---testify that the Father has sent me. [37] And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, [38] nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. [39] You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

In the Old Testament, the testimony of two witnesses was required in court to decide a case.  In this case, Jesus is arguing that His two witnesses are the Word and the Works (Miracles, signs and wonders, etc.).  Oh, that the Church would recognize and welcome the Works, as well as the Word.  We are diligent to study and preach the word, but that is just one testimony.  The other testimony that is required are the works! 

When Jesus sent the twelve and later the seventy-two He essentially equipped them with the same two testimonies, the word and works.  He told them to, "Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.  As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." ( Matthew 10:6-8 NIV ).  

Going back to the previous set of verses from John 3, Jesus spoke of the Spirit giving birth to spiritual things, and the works are these things.  Impossible for flesh, mere man,  to do, but totally possible in the Power of the Holy Spirit.  The power of the Holy Spirit, poured forth from us, is proof and bears witness to the truth of Jesus' words!  We can only do these things if we have been born again and now have access to the Spirit of God moving through us.

Oh Lord, let this same testimony flow out of us, Your Body here on earth!  Let Your Word and these works testify to the fact that You are who You say You are!  Let your word and works bear witness to Your Glory!

Amen Lord!

"You Give Them Something To Eat."

 Last night during a worship evening at our church, I felt led to turn to John 6:33 NIV:  "For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

I started reflecting on this verse, letting it tumble around in my mind and heart.  Jesus is clearly meaning Himself in this statement and a few verses later he makes that very clear.   As I was thinking about this, I realized that we (fellow believers) are now bearers of that bread, sharers of that bread, partakers in that bread, but we are called to give that which we have and give it to others, for we are called to offer the bread we have to those around us. 

Immediately I was reminded of the stories of Jesus feeding the thousands, particularly the story in Matthew, where he asked the disciples to feed the hungry.  Here is the heart of that exchange - Matthew 14:15-19 NIV:

[15] "As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 

[16] Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 

[17] “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 

[18] “Bring them here to me,” he said. [19] And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people."

As I read back over this story I realized that it is parallels some of what we have been hearing the Lord say to us corporately as a church.  My reflections are that the present time is late, as in we are closer to the return of Jesus than we have ever been, and that will continue to be the case.  We are definitely in the "laster" days. There is stirring in the nations for truth and the nations are hungry for the truth!  We are now the Body of Christ n the earth, thus, we are now the Bread.

The Lord has poured into us many things, many gifts and callings.  There are many who think of themselves as 'little" or "not much" in His Kingdom, think that He has forgotten them, or put them on the shelf, or even dried up, but He knows where we all are, knows our true value and potential.  He is inviting us to give what "little" we have to Him, pouring out everything we have, giving it back to Him that He might bless it and give it to feed the nations!!!  

The time is coming when all the bread will be in use, feeding the thousands.  There will be no more stale bread, forgotten bread, dried up fish, for all will be blessed and refreshed and consumed for the feeding of the Nations!  As Jesus said, "You give them something to eat!"

Yes Lord, take what little I have and bless it and give it!

Amen and Amen!

God's Favor is Free!

Last night I had a recurring dream that is hard to describe, but the phrase that was said over and over is simple to understand, I heard, "He is trying to get you to pay for something that is already free to you."  When I woke up, I believed this phrase related to the works mentality, and was referring to salvation.  What can I say, I have interesting dreams.

So, I initially thought this reflection was going to be about the Gospel of Grace, but as I started reflecting it just seemed like I was missing the point.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this morning the issue the Lord was wanting me to think about was His favor.  The statement from my dream works either way, and I realized that the less common theme of favor was where I seemed to be led.

Thinking about God's favor is probably not that common of a conscious thought line, but I believe it is always an undercurrent, especially for those of us who are Christians.  We want to know that God thinks kindly of us and is blessing us because He finds favor with us.  We can think and hope to gain His favor by all sorts of religious efforts, things like fasting, pursuing purity, certain types or ways of praying, worshipping with certain songs, or styles of worship, whatever.  We want to experience God's presence, to experience His blessing and love, and we set about "doing things" that we think, or have heard, will help.

What I felt I heard Him say this morning is, "you don't have to earn (pay for) My favor, it is free!"  That should be a very freeing statement, but in my heart I just think that can't be true.  I tend to place too many limits of human thinking and logic on the Lord, and the truth is that He is beyond all of that. I actually had an interesting experience a few years ago, (See: https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/04/today-is-day-of-lords-favor.html)  just as I was waking up I felt that I heard the Lord say, "Unless I tell you otherwise, it is safe to assume that you are always under my favor!" That statement really caused me stop and think and reflect on what the Lord meant.  I was amazed by my study of God's favor, and I still am.

This morning though, I felt like the Lord specifically was addressing our well-meaning desire to please Him, but was specifically targeting when that well-meaning pursuit slides into religion.  The truth is that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more that He already does!  The Truth is that He has already chosen us, and made a way for us to be in eternal relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus.  He has given that which is MOST precious to us freely, how much more favor could one hope for, or expect?  We somehow think that God is keeping score and is blessing us in accordance with that score.  We can find ourselves thinking that somehow we can earn a bit more of His love, or special blessings if we just d a bit more, show our love o Him a bit more, whatever.  I have heard well-meaning preachers talk about wanting to be one of His special friends when they get to heaven, or during the millennial reign of Christ, and their approach is to pursue a whole bunch of things to "earn" that right.

Paul and James both wrote about favoritism from God and as Christians.  Paul simply wrote, "For God does not show favoritism." ( Romans 2:11 NIV) In other words, He favors all of us equally!  James writes, "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." ( James 2:1 NIV).  Again, the point is that we must favor all equally, as demonstrated by the Lord.  In other words, He has favor on all equally.  If we are already in His favor, why would we try to earn it?  Are we trying to compete for special positions of honor?  I am pretty sure Jesus warned about that very thing (See Matt 23:5-12).

So, back to the statement at the beginning of my reflection, why would I try to earn something that is already freely given?  What would my life and pursuit of the Lord in relationship be like if I actually believed that I am experiencing and under God's favor?  Would I be more free to love others, to give away those things that I hold dear and precious, knowing that all good things have come to me from God anyway?  Would I be able to stop worrying that I have disappointed the Lord somehow, and instead lean into Him in love and affection, and just enjoy His unchanging love and affections?  Could I step free of the requirements I have placed on myself to work to stay in His favor?  Could I look at others and enjoy God's favor on them, rather than being envious, knowing that God favors me just as much as them?  Could I shutdown the lies that I need to do something better, or be more holy to capture God's eye, and earn His favor? 

The Hebrew word translated favor is the word khane and it is defined by Brown-Driver-Briggs'

1) favour, grace, charm

1a) favour, grace, elegance

1b) favour, acceptance

If we are under God's favor, we have received His grace, His acceptance, and His love!  We have already captured His eye, and nothing we can do will cause Him to love us any more, or favor us any more than He does right now!

Let us enter into this rest, and cease from striving for His favor, and allow God's favor for us to settle into our minds and hearts!

He really is that good and capable of having favor on each of us, individually, uniquely, and equally!

Amen!

Vibrating With Love

This morning I felt led to read from John's first letter, and was reminded of a sermon one of our Pastor's gave a few weeks back about living in the now, not the past, not the future, but embracing the present.  It was a very good perspective.  Here are the verses I am reflecting upon this morning - 1 John 4:16-19 NASB:

[16] "We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. [17] By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. [19] We love, because He first loved us."

First, these verses are obviously about God's love and learning to abide in love, abiding in His love for us, and learning to love others in the same way.  One of my recent reflections had to do with God teaching us to love, and I think these two reflections are clearly related.  Each of those short statements, "abide in love", abiding in His love for us", and "learning to love others" are rich topics for reflection, and I will endeavor to plumb the depths a bit.

First the word translated " abide" is the Greek word meno and I like Mounce's definition: "to stay, remain, live, dwell, abide; to be in a state that begins and continues, yet may or may not end or stop. To abide in Christ is to follow his example of a life obedient to the will of God"  What a great description of living in state that begins and continues, and we know that Love of God has no end!  Once we step into a realization of His love, we should never leave!   

Going back to the three short statements, abiding in love, for me means that this is first and foremost my experience and expression.  Love should be what emanates from me, and should be flowing out, as well as into me.  It should be that which colors my world, that frequency that I vibrate and reflect.  I was just reminded of the fine crystal glass vibrating to the sound of someone's voice, often to the point of shattering, obviously in this case not to the point of destruction.  My prayer is that I would experience love all my life and pour out love to all I encounter.

Secondly, I like that picture of my life tuned to God's voice and God's love, so that my encounter with both enhances me, and my ability to love, and allows me to reflect His love.  My confidence should be in God's unending love for me!  He certainly abides in Love, and His love does not end, does not run out, does not falter.  He has loved me since before the creation of the World (Eph 1:4-5), and will continue to love me after this world ends!  If I can grasp ahold of that truth, that rope of love emanating from God, through my entire existence, I can step into a confidence that many do not have in this world.  Many search for their purpose, their significance, the meaning of their life and I think that is all found in and through God's eternal love for us!  God's love is not just emotion, it is active, it is directive, it is full of promise and and purpose!  Oh, that we would all learn to grab firmly ahold of God's love for us, and never let go!

Finally, learning to love others as God loves us, requires a selflessness, and a settledness. It is out of our foundational awareness of God's love that we are able to love others.  John literally says, "we love, because God FIRST loved us."  Thus, for us to love as we ought, we must settle in our mind and hearts His love for us first.   Once we are on that sure foundation, we are called to love others!  Going back to the image of a glass vibrating to the frequency, our lives should vibrate with love!  In every instance, in evey situation, in every encounter, we should be giving off love vibrations!   It almost like we are a portable loudspeaker that is tuned to God's love, that broadcasts His love all around us.  Oh, that I would be a love loudspeaker!  Again, our love, like God's love is not meant to just be emotion, but rather active, full of promise and purposeful.

Lastly, quoting verse 17 above, "as He (Jesus) is, so also are we in the world."  Not looking to the past, not looking to the future, but present in this world!  He is, and so must we be like Him, embracing the present, engaging in the present, emanating His love!  His love is active, individually focused, calling out the best, establishing purpose and promise, healing, delivering, cleansing, raising!  Perfect obedience to God is simply doing what He is doing, releasing the vibrations of love that find their origin before the creation of the world!

Oh that we would vibrate with His love!  Oh, that we would broadcast His love to all we meet, whether in word or deed, in engagement or even in our look!  

Lord, help me to Love as You love!  Help me to embrace this present reality, that as You are so am I! 

Amen and Amen!

Taught by God to Love

This morning I was reading through Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians.  It, like all of his writings, is great to read and reflect upon.  There was a line that I am sure i have read before, but this morning it stood out to me, so I will reflect on it.  

1 Thessalonians 4:9 NIV:  "Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other."

Isn't that an interesting statement, Paul is confident in the love they have for each other, and He is so because they have been taught by God!  I am sure in this instance Paul is talking about Holy Spirit, being the one who is teaching them to love one another, not that this makes any difference.  It just got me thinking about places and peoples where the love of God is so evident in their love for one another.  

I have a couple of observations: 

1) The Greek word translated love is 'Philadelphia' and it literally means loving brothers or sisters.  This is a familial love, a love that goes deep and is based on common life, common relationships common experiences!  It is not just warm feelings, it encompasses so much more, a commitment, a deep connection, bonds like blood.

2) If it was evident that God taught them, then they had a special charism that was evident, and somewhat different than other churches Paul had visited.  Wouldn't that be a great characteristic to be known for, love for one another that is deeper and more visible than other places?!

3) It was so important that Paul was writing them to encourage them to press in deeper to this gift!  How often do churches think about how to really spur one another on into brotherly love?  How often do churches focus on fellowship?  So often it seems that the focus is right teaching, right doctrine, right living, right worship, but sometimes it seems that right relationships is just something that is left to the people to figure out on their own.  In Acts 2:42, one of the four pillars of the early church is described as fellowship, and yet, so often that is seen as something less than the other pursuits.  I wonder how many churches have a fellowship pastor?

4) Paul adds in the next verse an encouragement to love one another more and more, on top of the great love that already stands out!  This makes me believe that as much as we feel we love one another, there is always more, deeper expressions of love, deeper experiences of being loved!

5) I think that is impossible to actively and visibly love someone that you barely know.  I believe the love Paul is speaking about is evident in deeply connected brothers and sisters in Christ, individuals who are sharing life, connected at a much deeper level than mere acquaintance. They have deep relationships and are willing to be transparent with one another, able to meet one another in the place of need as well as blessing.

Today I am so grateful for the brothers and sisters that we are connected to in the Body of Christ!  I am grateful for the Love we share, and I am encouraged that there is more available!  I am encouraged that God wants to teach us how to love one another more and more!  I am reminded that this love will be one of the ways that others will know that we follow Christ.

Oh God, teach us to love one another more!

Amen!

In That Day A Song Will Be Sung

Last night I was reflecting on a couple of passages and saw some parallelisms that were intriguing.  I was praying and I heard the word rampart, and decided to look up a coupe of scriptures - and in the NIV there are 4, of which the one from Isaiah stood out the most.  Here are the verses - Isaiah 26:1-4 NIV:

[1] "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

 We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. 

[2] Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. 

[3] You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 

[4] Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."

Then we were talking about the tabernacle (tent) of David being restored and this is mentioned a few times in scripture, quoted once by James in Acts 15, in the church's response to the Gentile's being brought into the church through Peter's revelation and experience.  Here are the verses - Acts 15:13-18 NIV:

[13] When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. [14] Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. [15] The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 

[16] “ 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 

[17] that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'--- 

[18] things known from long ago."

At first glance these may not seem related, but as I was reading and reflecting I saw a few things.  First, in context the verses from Isaiah speak of a new day, as in the chapters prior to this the Prophet was speaking about the Lord allowing the earth to be devastated, so this day spoken of is a new day, and this city is essentially a rebuilt city, with salvation its walls and ramparts.  The Hebrew word translated salvation is yeshua which is very close to the Hebrew version of Jesus. Literally salvation exists in Jesus!  

Opening the gates that the righteous nation may enter, is a picture of what Holy Spirit did through Peter, for the righteous nation could be translated "a righteous, faith-filled people" (The Passion Translation).  Is this not a picture of the Jews and the Gentiles, all made righteous by the Blood of Jesus, entering through faith?! This is exactly what James recalls the Prophet Amos spoke of in Amos 9:10-11, a time when all the mankind, even the Gentiles will be called by His name.  

Additionally, Isaiah starts his prophecy about a song being sung, and that was one of the most important aspects of the tent (tabernacle) of David, for he established worship and praise before the Lord (See 1 Chron 16).  The song being sung in that day is the same as was being extolled in the days of the birth of the Church, for God was establishing a place of refuge, salvation and deliverance!  

Continuing on, I like the promise next spoken of by Isaiah, that there will exist for this people "perfect peace" for those whose minds are steadfast in trust of the Lord!  This reminds me of Paul's exhortation to the Philippians 4:4-9 NIV:

[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

[8] "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

This morning I am encouraged that God is continuing to move on the earth, continuing to call a people to Himself through faith in Jesus!  I am encouraged because praise and worship of the Lord is continuing to rise to heaven from earth!  I am encouraged that peace and rest are available to those who trust in the Lord!  I am encouraged because we are clearly closer to "that day" and the final fulfillment of all God's promises!

Amen!

Spiritual Things and the Body of Christ

Last night I was reading a book and the author brought up a verse from the Bible and noted that one of the words we commonly read in our English translations was not included in the original language, and it significantly changes the meaning.  The verse in question is 1 Corinthians 12:1 NIV:  "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed."  The word that is not there in the original language is "gifts".

The translation would be more accurately (spoken as a layman with no real knowledge of the Greek, but reporting what my lexicon lists as the the probable translation) "Considering now, the spiritual, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant and uniformed"  

While we are more comfortable with  the phrase "spiritual gifts" than the phrase "spiritual nature", and later Paul does speak about gifts, it seems quite clear that Paul is speaking first about things of a spiritual nature, and his desire that the Christians in Corinth would overcome their ignorance and become informed.  This is pretty much my exact prayer these days, that I would become informed in things of a spiritual nature.  This is why I was reading a book titled, "Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle" by Kris Vallaton.  My desire is to grow in my knowledge and understanding, and with that my sensitivity.

Continuing on,  Paul then explains some of the basics of the spiritual nature and lists gifts, services and workings, (which is another reason not to add the word "gifts" to the first sentence).  Here are the following verses - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV:

[4] "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work." 

[7] "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."

What Paul is laying out here is a bit of a blueprint for life in the Church.  The Holy Spirit is providing all, and as Paul notes, they are given for the common good!  In other words, we are ALL supposed to benefit from these manifestations of the Holy Spirit, the workings, the services and the gifts!  There is no mention that these are given only to leadership, and only for strategic direction of the Body of Christ.   The Greek word Paul uses in verse 7 that is translated "each one" is the word hekastos, which can be translated each or every, and it is most often translated every.  Rewriting that verse we could say, "Now to every one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."  Wouldn't that drive a bit of change in our understanding!  These things are not for the elite, for the specially chosen, but rather are intended for EVERYONE.

Paul continues on in verses 8 -10 writing about how all these different manifestations of the Spirit are often distributed throughout the Body, and in this case the local church, to individuals as the Holy Spirit determines (verse 11).  The Greek word translated 'determines" is the word boulomai, and Mounce defines that as "to wish, will, desire; to choose, determine, plan".  The sense I get is that while there are those trained in the use of certain manifestations, it is the Holy Spirit who determines in a situation, possibly, who receives what manifestation.  This doesn't seem to be a one-time giving, but rather demonstrates a corporate expression that suits the Holy Spirit's particular plan for that given day or gathering.  Paul in writing this, could have specifically identified types of people, classified by giftings or callings, but he specifically uses general language, as in anyone and everyone could be a recipient. 

Later Paul goes on to use the analogy of the human body ( 1 Cor 12: 12-26) to talk about unity and diversity in the Body of Christ.  While this image is very helpful, we must remember its laid on a foundation of the above text, so while we might want to think "once a toe always a toe" I don't know if that logic holds.  Is it possible that in one situation Holy Spirit uses a person to see something (eye) and in the next situation to hear something (ear) and in the next situation to help someone (hand)?  I certainly think so, and thus, I believe the core message is not about what part of the body you are, but rather how to think as a body and act as a body together.  

We tend to want to compare gifts, services and working, and try to identify those that are "more important" or have a "greater influence" and give honor to those who operate in those.  However, using the analogy of the human body, the parts that are most important are hidden from view, inside, and generally not visible at all.  In my opinion, we need to learn to rightly value all the members of the Body, not just those most visible.  I think Paul sums it all up nicely with his last statement in verses 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 NIV: ..."so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

So, going back to the beginning verses, Paul, in writing this, wants to inform us of how things work in the spiritual realm, and thus his comments about the Body analogy are directed to the spiritual gifts, workings and services.  These are given to us by the Holy Spirit, and I am sure He makes use of natural abilities,  and uses those that might be boosted or heightened by the supernatural impartation.  However, I don't think that is a rule we an follow always, nor limit Him to, our looking to natural ability to identify spiritual giftings, callings and purposes.  When the Holy Spirit is involved and is the imparter, we can receive anything He desires, whether we have a natural ability or not.  A good example is the Gift of Tongues,  when it is manifested as a human language that people other than the speaker understand perfectly.  I have read stories of non-English speaking people receiving the gift of tongues, and praying glorious prayers in English in front of English speaking missionaries.  We cannot put a logical limit what the Holy Spirit can do, because He is God!

In summary, I am encouraged this morning that God does want to help me be more informed about spiritual things!  He wants me to learn to see, to hear, to sense what He is doing in me, and around me in the Spiritual realm!  He wants the gifts, workings and services that He is pouring into me to be for the common good!  He wants me to recognize the same is true for every other brother and sister in the Body of Christ.  He wants me to learn to be aware of His movings, and direction, to affirm His outpouring of "gifts" and His enabling power.  He wants me to learn to move beyond my logical, natural mind, to allow Him to do what He  determines is right.  He wants me to learn to value all parts of the Body, especially those that are commonly hidden from view.

Holy Spirit help me!  You know I need a greater sensitivity to all of this!

Fix Your Eyes

This morning the phrase "fix your eyes" came up in my time before the Lord, and it is a bit uncommon for me to focus on a phrase, rather than a scripture, so I figured it was worth reflecting on.   

In the translation I mostly use, the NIV, there are four scriptures where the two words 'fix' and 'eyes' are used together, and I thought it good to look at them all.  The meaning of the phrase is pretty straight-forward, but sometimes there is a richness to the way it is used.

Here are the four scriptures.

Psalm 141:8 NIV:  "But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge---do not give me over to death."

Proverbs 4:25-26 NIV:  "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. [26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."

2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV:  "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

In each case, the fixing of one's eyes, had also to do with one's mindset and then action.  It seems that this is almost like a first step in making a decision to move forward down a specific path, as noted in the verses from Proverbs. The other specific implication is that this allows one to ignore other distractions, for in fixing our eyes, we ignore other things we could look at.

In order, in Psalm 141 the preceding verses had to do with the threats of evil against the psalmist, in this case David.  He is choosing to look at the Lord, to rest in Him rather than to concern himself about the threats all around him.

In Proverbs, we are encouraged to look straight ahead, to give careful thought to our walk and our ways.  What a great encouragement for really anyone, in any situation.  

In his second letter to the Church in Corinth, Paul is discussing the eternal perspective, and allowing that perspective to override, if you will, the difficult stuff we encounter in our pursuit of God.  There is a reminder that this world is not our final destination and that there is a future and eternal destiny that should guide our steps, our thoughts and our actions.

Finally in the Letter to the Hebrews, I added the verse that preceded the one about fixing our eyes, because it perfectly compliments the encouragement to fix our eyes on Jesus.  We are encouraged to throw off everything that hinders, including sin, pursuing the path that is marked for us to follow.  Using the race analogy, Jesus is the front-runner, and we are all following the path He is taking, and if we can't see him, we can see the path has been marked for us to follow.

All of this is encouraging, and helpful, but this morning the question of why this encouragement for me?  As I was thinking through this, I realized that much of the time I have my eyes fixed on my phone, not that I am looking at anything harmful, but rather I am looking at other things, things that distract me.  Honestly as I look at my free time, often, rather than having any thought of the Lord, I will pull out my phone, check my messages, check a couple of websites for news, and before I know it an hour or two has passed on by.   Time completely wasted, unproductive, and certainly without a goal or focus.  

I feel like the Lord is calling me to a more intentional use of my focus and time, specifically as it relates to things that He has shown me are important.  I know the things that are valuable, the things that will help me grow, the things that will enable me to focus, rather than distract me.  I go back to the Proverb and hear the specific encouragement to fix my eyes, look straight ahead, consider carefully my steps (actions), and to learn to be steadfast in my ways.  In essence, the encouragement is to create a new habit, one that will actually aid me in my pursuit of Him, and the pursuit of those things He encourages me in.  That habit needs to involve putting down my phone and shutting off the distractions, and choosing s different next step.  

Thank You Lord for Your encouragement and direction.  I hear and see in this a Your desire for me to grown and learn and make progress in You and Your purposes for me.  I am encouraged because You don't engage us in frivolous activities and tasks.

Help me to be steadfast in fixing my eyes upon You!

Amen!

Forgiveness for Betrayal?

Last night I continued to think about a topic that I was meditating on yesterday, and found myself at one point feeling like I had heard a bit from the Lord.  There were several thoughts linked together that I am not sure I can remember all, but the strong sense I had was that the specific verses I was reflecting on ( Heb. 10:26-31), are meant as a warning of final judgment.  The Lord is merciful, more merciful than man ever thought of being, and in the worst case of betrayal, man can find it in his heart to forgive, with God's help, than so can the Lord.  

In fact as I was thinking about it, the Lord brought up the topic of Judas, and asked if I thought He loved him.  I think the obvious answer is yes!  He was one of His closest followers, and the reason it was such a deep betrayal was because Jesus loved him, as did the others.  Which then leads me  to the question of whether or not Jesus forgave Judas?  Obviously at this point, it is all conjecture on my part, but my thought is that yes, there was in Jesus' heart forgiveness for Judas.  That probably goes against what many of us have been taught, but I thought it a good reflection this morning.  A couple of things to consider:

1) Jesus chose him, and he walked with Jesus for at least a couple of years (Luke 6:16)

2) There was no hint of who the betrayer would be, so much so that every one of the apostles asked if it was them? (Matt 26:21-22)

3) While not as severe a betrayal, Peter was forgiven for his denial of Christ. (John 21:15-20)

4) They were still thinking Jesus was going to be a conquering king, and Jesus was refusing that role, and this might have been part of why Judas did what He did, disappointment and disillusionment (Matt 20:24-28)

5) Judas was repentant. (Matt 27:3)

6) Judas role was critical to the prophetic fulfillment of Christ's sacrifice, and yet Jesus' death was not Judas' intent. (Acts 1:16 & Matt 27:3)

7) Judas was possessed of a demon. (Luke 22:3)

8) Judas was distraught to the point of suicide over his betrayal (Matt 27:5)

9) Jesus, knowing full well that He had been betrayed, and knowing what was about to take place (His passion and death) welcomed Judas, even as He betrayed Him. (Matt 26:49-50)

10) Looking at Scriptural precedence - David was forgiven for betraying a loyal friend (Uriah) unto death. (2 Sam 11:3-22 & 2 Sam 12:13)

11) Jesus' teaching on forgiveness of one who sins against you (Luke 17:3)

12) Jesus asking the Father to forgive those that were crucifying Him, for they didn't know what they were doing (Luke 23:34) and I think Judas fits into that description.

Without going into my thoughts on each point above, it seems to me that there is a strong possibility that Jesus did forgive Judas.  His ministry had much of a focus on the forgiveness of sins, and all sin is in some way a sin against the person of God.  I think it is clear that Judas was repentant, and that he was sorrowful for his actions.  His actions, while they paved the way for Jesus' passion and death, were clearly not the deciding factor. One could certainly argue that the Pharisees and teachers of the Law were far more responsible for His death, and yet following His death and resurrection, if they had repented and received salvation, they would have been forgiven (one would think).

I don't believe that the verses in Heb 10:26-31 apply to Judas, because the sacrifice of Jesus had not yet happened, and Judas certainly repented of his betrayal.  We have no evidence that Judas treated as unholy Jesus' blood, nor that he insulted the Spirit of grace, although we might argue for the last. He did betray Jesus, but repented, and that is clearly not in line with the Hebrew verses.

As I wrote earlier, this is clearly all assumptive on my part, and at the end I am not the judge, only God is capable of rightly judging an individual.  We are tempted to take scriptures and apply them as a sentence of judgment, but only God can do that, and even when on earth, Jesus refused to judge as He said in John 12:47-48 NIV: “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day."  Judgement is reserved for the last day, so let us not take on the role of God or His word, and think we can pass judgment today.

In summary, I am encouraged that the Lord can and does forgive sins against Him.  He is merciful and compassionate far beyond man's abilities to be merciful and compassionate.  He has paid the price for our sins, and sits at the right had of the Father interceding for us! (Rom 8:34). 

Amen!

Our Great Inheritance - Partakers in the Divine Nature

Yesterday, my great friend and I were talking about our faith and relationship with the Lord, and he said (paraphrased) that though he is in a dry spell presently in prayer, he has been reminded and continues to remind himself that He has received the best part of salvation already, a sure eternity with the Lord.  I have been thinking about the truth of that statement and last evening I was reading through the two letters of Peter and saw that he had a very similar theme as the main point in his first letter.  Here are the first few verses that caught my attention - 1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV:

[3] "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

What a great reminder, of what is really important.  In my daily life, and working through all the stuff, sometimes I can lose sight of this truth!  In my readings of letters from the early church, some writings of the early fathers, they were often focused on this heavenly end, and sometimes it seems like they were doing so, because life in the "here and now" was difficult for the early Christians, so it was helpful to focus on that which was promised, life in heaven.  

However, in thinking about this more, I think that maybe I have lost sight of what is really a great treasure, our great inheritance.  My life, in comparison to a Christian believer of the early church, is fantastic, at least from a worldly perspective.  I have plenty of creature comforts, and am able to practice and express my faith without fear of death, or significant persecution.  I have the word widely available, and have at my disposal hundreds if not thousands of letters and books written to help me live out my Christian walk with effectiveness.  In fact there is so much available in this present life, that I can think that life here is what it is all about, and forget what is waiting for me. 

However, it is also important to remember that this present life experience is made possible because that final destiny comes with a full suite of benefits in the "here and now"!  Peter in the beginning of his second letter describes it this way, writing, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)  Peter says that we can participate (present tense) in the divine nature.  The word that is translated participate, would be more fully defined as "partners, partakers in, sharers in" the divine nature.  We don't just get to participate, we are full partners in this divine nature, as in partners in a law firm, part owners if you will.  While this IS something to be excited about, this present being partner in the divine nature, it truly finds its final and full benefits in heaven.  

I was thinking more about this and it still doesn't quite lead me where I think the Lord is aiming.  What I find missing is the nature of the treasure, or inheritance that we can partake in here!  Whenever I think inheritance I tend to think material things, and this is where I can sometimes get caught up in a "prosperity gospel".  We can think that this divine nature brings with it material blessings, health, wealth, favor, healings, even spiritual gifts.  We can get so caught up in what is "our stuff" that we miss the whole purpose of our sharing in this divine nature.  We are called to be His sons and daughters, to express to the world who He is, to bring the good news of salvation out of the darkness into the wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).  Our sharing in this divine nature means we have access to and are partners in the character of God, and its expression here on earth.  This is our great treasure that we inherit, we become full members of His divine family, and thus His nature!  This family is not a giant "bless me club", but is rather a giant bless THEM with the same family membership club! We are called to be those that give away freely that which we have been given (Matt 10:8).  We aren't collectors of divine blessings, we are givers of divine blessings!  

Oh, that we would grasp the fullness of this truth!  We are God's sons and daughters, if we have received His salvation!  We then get full access to all the Christ had available to Him, and just like Him, we are not called to live "high on the hog" rolling the material blessings and riches of our Father, but rather spending our lives inviting others into this same glorious inheritance!  We are called to be social influencers, not showcasing our material wealth, but rather showcasing the character and nature of God!  It is not about us, it is about Him, and His greatness.  We don't want the world to look at us, we want the world to look at HIM!  

Our gaze heavenward is meant to remind us of our final destiny, of our Father's greatness, of our true identity, and of our call in this life.  We know that we only see dimly now (1 Cor 13:12), but in eternity we will see clearly and understand fully the truth of God's greatness!   As Paul writes, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV).

Amen and Amen!

Why Didn't John Write About His Experience On The Mount of Transfiguration?

Yesterday morning I felt led to read from Matthew 17, which includes the Transfiguration.  As I was thinking about that experience, I was thinking that it must have been a very life-changing experience for James, John and Peter.  Then I realized that John didn't even include an account in his Gospel, and yet his Gospel is focused so much on the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the Word made flesh. This caused me to wonder about the reason He wouldn't have included it?

I read a couple of commentaries on that specific question, and the main idea presented was that John must not have written the Gospel, because in their opinion He would have included it.  That thought doesn't really seem to answer the central question, but more provides an alternative possibility.

In my mind the question is, assuming John did write the Gospel that bears his name, why wouldn't he have included an account of the Transfiguration? 

In thinking about it more a couple of things come to mind:

First, John, in his writing, does not like to call himself out, other than a few very specific times.  He is focused on Jesus. He names  himself once in identifying the sons of Zebedee (Acts 21) who went fishing after Jesus' death.  He writes of the "Disciple that Jesus Loved" five times, and the second time was at the Crucifixion where Jesus told him to  take care of His mother Mary.  From reading other accounts, it is clear that this is John, for He and Jesus were first cousins and John's mother and Mary were sisters. 

A note about him referring to himself as the Apostle that Jesus loved.  While we might think this is a presumptuous title, I think it reflects the very way each of the apostles would have referred to themselves, and the quality of His relationship with each. In reflecting upon my relationship with the Lord, the fact that He loves me is primary.  My Dad in his encounter with the Lord, heard the Lord say that He loved him, Gene Hall.  If someone's encounter with Jesus doesn't find at its core Jesus' love for them, I think maybe that their experience is more religion than relationship.  

Jesus, in giving the New commandment to the Apostles, defined it as 'loving as He loved them'.  Specifically He said, “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.” ( John 13:34-35 NIV).  I am sure Jesus wasn't just looking at Peter, James and John when He said this!  They must have had a very real experience of Jesus' love for themselves individually, so much so that Jesus used that as an example of how they should love one another.

Second, John was writing this Gospel later, possibly after he had read the other Gospel's, and it seems that He specifically (at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) adds other details to Jesus' ministry that others, who were not eye-witnesses had left out or considered them as unimportant. Most experts agree that it was written 90-100AD, and that would make John an old man.  In two of his three letters, He refers to himself as the "The Elder" and, without any hint of bragging, that seems to be true.  He was certainly the last of the twelve alive.  

As I was thinking about this as if I was writing the story of my interactions with Jesus, I thought 'if I had available to me the other Gospels, would I write what was in them, or would I take a different approach'? John actually says basically that, when he writes, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31 NIV)

Another related question would be, 'why did John felt led to write a Gospel when there were already three available?' Clearly, there must have been a need, and John must have felt that something was missing in the other three Gospels.  We do know that John was addressing some of heretical themes that were present in the church at that time. According to Saint Irenaeus, John specifically wrote his Gospel to combat the Cerinthus heresy, which held that Jesus really wasn't the son of God, but just a human man, who had divine help during his ministry.  We see in John's Gospel, a very focused recounting of Jesus' awareness of His divine nature, of His referring to Himself as I AM, and of His teachings and statements that are related to these;  I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:45,48); I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25);  I AM the way and the truth and the Life (John 14:6).  While the Transfiguration would clearly help establish Jesus' divinity, the account was already available in the other Gospels.

Third, John as the last of the Apostles living, saw no reason to further highlight this experience.  Even though it was probably one of the highlights of his life, John appears to have been content to treasure it in his heart, as we are told Mary did with all of her thoughts of her son (Luke 2:19).  I have many memories of significant events in my life that I don't share widely.  At least to me, regularly sharing about some special memory tends  to lessen the intimacy of those memories.  

Additionally, John had no need to use a recounting of his experiences to prove his intimacy with the Lord.  By the time he was writing this gospel, it was well established that he was an Apostle, and like all the other Apostles, he pointed at Jesus, rather than at Himself.  I see in this a maturity and an embracing of the true ministry of Jesus, which was one of service and love.  I am sure there wasn't a single one who had their feet washed by Jesus, that didn't understand the call to servant leadership.  Jesus taught on servant leadership many times, and demonstrated it every day!  In one of His last teachings, Jesus spoke specifically on this as recorded by Luke 22:25-27 NIV:

[25] Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. [26] But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. [27] For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."

Finally, I could not see a single one of the Apostles, that walked with and knew Jesus, using such an experience as their calling-card, the experience that validated their position of authority or public recognition.  John didn't mention it and Peter only briefly and within the context of this experience pointing to the glory of the Lord, and as a confirmation of the rest of the prophecies concerning the Lord (See 2 Peter 1:16-18).  He spoke as an eye-witness, nothing more.  Paul did speak about his experience with Jesus on the Road to Damascus, as a conversion, and as the point of his transformation from one who tried to kill Christians to one who proclaimed the Gospel.

In summary, as I have thought and referenced scripture, I believe that John, in not writing about the Mount of transfiguration, was modeling the ministry of Jesus, and embracing the path of humility and love that was the calling card of Jesus' ministry.  This continuing ministry wasn't about John, it was about following Jesus, representing Jesus!  John and the rest of the Apostles were about one thing, bringing Glory to Jesus.  They finally figured out what Jesus was trying to teach them.  He wasn't establishing an earthly Kingdom, where they would rule with Him, sitting alongside Him on their own mini-thrones.  The expansion of the  Kingdom of God required them to lay down their lives for one another, to love one another and put one another's needs before their own!  They modeled this life to the end, and all but John had the opportunity to lay down their lives in martyrdom, and none recanted, or changed their mind or decided that following Jesus, and daily carrying their own cross, wasn't worth it!  

I pray that we might be encouraged and strengthened in our personal walk with the Lord!  I pray that our lives might be impacted by the lives of these men that followed Jesus, and lived the rest of their life for one purpose, the continuation of Jesus ministry and the expansion of the Eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

Amen and Amen!

The Steadfast Humility of Christ!

Yesterday I wrote about being directed into the Love of God and the perseverance or steadfastness of Christ.  It was a good meditation for me, and as I was walking my dog, I continued to mull that theme over and over.  I realized that I left out one major theme of Christ's steadfastness, His humility.  Today I wanted to spend some more time on that theme, for it was one that tripped up most of the Jews, and certainly doesn't make sense to our normal human minds.

Going back to the verse I was most focused on, I wanted to looks at a few different translations here is my normal - 

2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV: "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."

Following are some other translations.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB:  "May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ."

2 Thessalonians 3:5 TPT:  "Now may the Lord move your hearts into a greater understanding of God's pure love for you and into Christ's steadfast endurance."

2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV:  "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."

I find it so interesting how each takes a slightly different twist on the last phrase.  A note for the Passion translation (TPT) indicated the Aramaic could be translated into "the hope of the Messiah", or the "faithful endurance of [all things] for Christ.   I find that last bit slightly off topic, for it doesn't seem to be so much about our endurance or steadfastness, as Christ Jesus'.

As I allow these slightly different definitions to roll around, the thing that I find myself going back to is the way Jesus interacted with the people, and the way He refused to allow people to push him towards leadership or fame. Even though thousands of people were coming to see Him preach, he never lost the focus on the individual.  It is like His parable of the ninety-nine sheep and the one that was lost.  He could be surrounded by the crowds and still interacting with a person, touching them so deeply that their lives are forever changed.  

The story of Zacchaeus, found in Luke 19:1-9, is one such example.  Jesus is coming into Jericho and the crowd is so large that Zacchaeus, in order to actually see Jesus, had to run ahead and climb a sycamore tree, for he was short.  Jesus is walking in the midst of this huge crowd, and stops at the foot of the tree and calls him down and tells him that He (Jesus) must stay with him that night.  He knows all about Zacchaeus, and he could probably hear quite clearly the muttering of the crowd when He decided to stay with a tax-collector, rather than one of the important, or more faithful people!  Zacchaeus's response to all of this made it clear that his heart had been changed by this simple act of Jesus, calling his name and choosing to stay with him.

As I was writing that, I remembered how other times it was said that Jesus would have dinner with the tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-16, Luke 15:1-2; Matt 9:9-12). The Pharisees and teachers of the Law had a real problem with that, for they were pursuing righteousness through the Law, and eating and even interacting with such people was enough to cause them to be unclean. Since they were hoping for a Messiah who would come and establish the Kingdom of God and defeat the Romans, it made no sense that Jesus would be spending time with sinners, for they were not considered part of the "chosen people".  We find this command in Numbers 15:30 NIV: “ 'But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or foreigner, blasphemes the Lord and must be cut off from the people of Israel."  This is one reason why it was so important that Jesus proclaimed Zacchaeus a son of Abraham (Luke 19:9).  Again, for Jesus to take time to visit Zacchaeus's house, to proclaim him a son of Abraham, shows how willing He was to interact with the lowly and rejected, the ones you would never think a great leader would value.

As I was thinking about all of this a few other bits came to mind.  First the story of when Jesus didn't want to go to the festival found in John 7:3-4 NIV: "Jesus' brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do.  No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”  Jesus' response to this is interesting, for this is exactly how we would normally think, if you want to make a bigger impact than go for a bigger crowd, bigger congregations, etc.  In Jesus response to Peter, after Peter rebuked Him for saying He was going to die, I think Jesus addresses this very issue - Matthew 16:23 NIV: "Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”  Jesus was confronting this merely human concern, this human thinking!  He was holding fast to the way forward the Father had shown Him.  

As in the wilderness when He was tempted by the enemy, Jesus was being encouraged to pursue "greatness" and take on the mantle of a great leader, a public figure, one who would gather all the Jews to Himself!  He knew His path was one of humility, one of laying down His life!  I am sure that prior to His passion and death that Isaiah 53 was not a popular Messianic prophecy!  They wanted a warrior King, an all-powerful ruler who would set them free from their oppressors.  Isaiah prophesied the following - Isaiah 53:1-9 NIV:

[1] "Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 

[2] He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 

[3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 

[4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 

[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

[6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

[7] He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 

[8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. 

[9] He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth."

As I read those verses, I can't imagine Jesus not knowing them by heart, knowing that they were His path, and choosing over and over again to embrace them!  He was above all else, steadfast in His humility!  Paul encourages us to take on this same humility in his letter to the Philippians 2:1-8 NIV:

[1] "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 

[5] "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 

[6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 

[7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

[8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death---even death on a cross!"

As I write this all, I go back to the prayer of Paul, that our hearts would be directed into the Love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ, and I see the path forward, and its not necessarily an easy path!  We want greatness and glory, to be applauded and appreciated, and yet the steadfast path of Christ is one of humility and obedience!   His path was one of self-sacrifice, of taking time to minister to others, of being present to those around Him, even when they numbered in the thousands.  He was willing to lay aside all the honor and glory of men, to pursue the path He knew He needed to follow.  

Oh Lord, I pray for greater love (Your Love) and greater perseverance!  I pray for the grace to seek the path of humility and self-sacrifice, not as a form of abasement, but as a way to serve and love those You value greatly. I pray for the clarity of mind and purpose that You had Lord, as You embraced the mind of the Father.

Help me Lord, for this certainly goes against my natural concerns and proclivity.

Amen!

Into God's Love and Jesus' Steadfastness

This morning I am reading Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica.  It is a short letter and an interesting read for it shows how quickly the Church was attacked with false teachings and doctrines.  Paul wrote the letter in 51-53AD, or within 20 years of Jesus' death and resurrection.  Many of the eye-witnesses were likely still alive as were most of the Apostles.  Peter's first Gentile converts were brought into the fold around 40AD, and Paul probably didn't have his conversion until 47AD, so whether we look at the 10-13 years of the Gentile churches growth, or the 4-6 years of Paul's ministry, there was already a substantial amount of turmoil in the Church.  

Paul wrote both letters to this church within a short period of time, so it was likely he was corresponding with them and was trying to address the main issues he saw, one of which was false teaching, and people trying to pass letters off as having come from him.  Our present issues of fake news and "experts" everywhere is nothing new.  The goal of the enemy is to bring confusion, to sow deception and cause distraction, and he is about doing the same thing in our day that he was doing even then.

Today my reflection is focused on the beginning to chapter three, for one particular line stood out to me as I was reading, and that is usually a good sign that the Holy Spirit is wanting me to focus on a particular theme.  Here are the verses - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NIV:

[1] "As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. [2] And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. [3] But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. [4] We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. [5] May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."

The line that stood out to me was verse 5, and it just resonated in my spirit.  What a great prayer to pray for ourselves and for others, that the Lord would direct our hearts "into God's love and Christ's perseverance"!  What better place to rest, than in God's love!  His eternal love, that has been expressed for us since before the creation of the world (Eph 1:4)?  His love which is what motivated His plan for salvation  (John 3:16-17) and is richer and deeper and wider than we can possibly understand.  Paul even prayed this very thing for the Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV: 

[16] "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Going back to his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul is praying this same thing, just a bit more concisely!  Paul also prays that our heart might be directed by the Lord into Christ's perseverance.  The Greek word he used here is hypomone and it is defined by Thayer as:

1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance

    a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

    b) patiently, and steadfastly

2) a patient, steadfast waiting for

3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

Looking at Christ Jesus, we see His perseverance and steadfastness in many areas.  He was determined to love, not condemn (John 3:16-17).  He represented the Father perfectly in speech and in action (Heb 1:3).  He refused to allow the enemy/demons to harass and injure or ruin people's lives.  He was steadfast and persevering in His ministry, teaching and healing thousands!  He was resolute in His following the will of the Father, even unto death (Phill 2:8). He was determined to touch the outcasts and lepers, the lowly, the rejected and the sinner.  He was unafraid of the opinions of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law.  I could go on and on, but I see here a healthy understanding of the perseverance and steadfastness of Christ.  He knew who He was, and who He represented and never swayed or swerved.  Oh, that I might live with that passion and sustained pursuit!  

This morning I am encouraged!  I do believe the Lord wants to direct my heart in His love and into Jesus' perseverance and steadfastness!  I believe that He wants to strengthen me, and fill me with knowledge and understanding of His ways, His purposes and His power!  I am encouraged that in spite of the enemies best tricks and attacks the Gospel has been sustained through the power of the Holy Spirit for 1900+ years!  I am encouraged that in the midst of this great, world-changing revelation that God has a very specific call or invitation for me that He has been planning since before the creation of the World, because of His love for me!

Amen and amen!

The Lord's Words to Us Can Be For Now And The Future

This morning I was reading through Mark's Gospel, chapter 9 and ran across a verse that made me stop and think, which is always a good thing.  My prayer is that anytime I read scripture that I am reading it to learn and grow, and that I will be changed.  The verse that caught my eye occurs right after the Transfiguration as follows - Mark 9:9-13 NIV:

[9] "As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. [10] They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 

[11] And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 

[12] Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? [13] But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

The verse that caught my eye was Jesus' response, specifically verse 12, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?" 

Many times when Jesus answers the apostles questions, it seems like He is more than answering their question, often times it seems like He is almost answering a different question, and this is one of those times.  I was reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer and I am paraphrasing his take on this type of question and answer in that he said this is partly due to Jesus' context and perspective and freedom from the logical alternatives available in the Law. He is here to restore the original relationship of man to the Father, and is often answering from that perspective, providing insight into the greater work, rather than the shallow question that is being asked.  

In this particular case, Jesus is answering with two responses wrapped into one, for He appears to be speaking about both His first coming ( and impending death and resurrection) and His second coming in Glory.  It appears that He is speaking of the past prophecies, present time and future, referencing things that have been prophesied, just experienced and not been spoken yet.  

The Apostles are basing their question in verse 11 on the prophecy found in Malachi 4:5, which speaks of Elijah returning before the Day of the Lord.  Jesus appears to be referencing the ministry of His cousin John, who clearly ministered in the Spirit of Elijah, their most recent experience of seeing Elijah on the mountain top, and apparently is speaking prophetically of the ministry of the two witnesses from Revelations 11, for most commentators believe that Elijah is one of them.  His statement that there is a restoration of all things appears to be referencing His second coming, for it is at that point that "all things" are finally restored.  Additionally, he is also referencing His present life, and impeding death and resurrection which restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden.  

The Apostles are thinking final Messianic rule and reign, but assuming it will be an earthly Kingdom, and Jesus is drawing their minds and hearts to the full prophecy, which includes prophecies about His suffering and death, Isaiah 53:1-12 being the foremost example, not just His messianic reign.  It is clear from verse 10 that the apostles couldn't grasp that Jesus was going to die, for they couldn't understand why He mentioned rising from the dead.  I am sure it was later that the Apostles understood what Jesus was actually saying to them!

In my own personal walk with the Lord, I find His answers and words to me often have this multi-time context.  He is often speaking about a present tense situation, but there is also a greater fulfillment of that word sometime in my future.  It is at those times that the Lord will remind me of what He said often years ago, so that I understand what I am experiencing is a fulfillment of that word spoken several years prior.  I believe there will also likely be a further revelation and fulfillment at later times in my life.  God's word is perfect and it applies to all cases, past, present and future.  It is in those times that the Lord, also helps me understand what He meant, and how to understand past experiences.   As time-bounded individuals, we struggle with these multi-time words for we are liited in our understanding, but the Lord doesn't limit Himself to our limitations.  

In summary, this morning I am encouraged that the Lord knows exactly what He is speaking about when He speaks to me.  I may be limited, but He is not, and He is faithful to fulfill everything that He has promised.  He is also big enough to deal with my confusion, my wrong thinking and my misinterpretations!  

Thank You Lord for calling me forward in You!

Amen!