Something Completely Different

This morning I have been reflecting on Isaiah, chapter 19, which if you haven't read, is one that is quite surprising.  Reading the first verse, it seems like many of the other prophetic announcements, found in the major and minor prophetic books, against one of Israel's enemies, the nation of Egypt.  Here is the beginning - Isaiah 19:1 NIV:

[1] "A prophecy against Egypt: See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear."

I was imagining Isaiah writing this down, in His prophetic flow, whatever that looked like, and then the Lord, shifts the theme and Isaiah find himself writing things he had never heard nor thought before.  I am reminded of a Monty Python skit called "Now for Something Completely Different". By the time he finishes this chapter, his final verse is as follows - Isaiah 19:25 NIV:

[25] "The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance. ”

These two verses represent a magnificent 180 degree change, or do they?

If God is always the same, unchanging, past, present and future, (see Heb 13:8) then these verses don't represent a change, but rather an unveiling of a deeper flow of God's heart for the people of Egypt.  I believe this deeper love for Egypt, while often not seen, represents God's true feelings towards them.

I was thinking that a couple of famous verses, also found in Isaiah's prophecies, are almost an apology from God to Isaiah.  God says through him in Isaiah 55:7-9 NIV:

[7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 

[9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

This theme of the repentance of wicked people, and God having mercy on them, is the core of the Gospel message, which Jesus fulfilled, and announced.  Many people, couldn't understand this apparently radical visitation of grace and mercy upon sinners, and Isaiah, while the speaking forth the very theme, probably had some serious questions as well.  God in His mercy, brought clarity.  

He doesn't think like us, nor can we think like Him!

He doesn't act like us (thankfully)!

Most of us, myself included, have very little depth of understanding of God and His ways.  We cruise along, holding onto a shallow, at best, understanding of God and His ways and Word, and think ourselves mature, or at least comfortable with our knowledge of God.  Then God does something or speaks something that rocks our understanding.  In that moment, we receive a bit of revelation, which we think opens up a door of insight to God's hidden ways, and we are correct, to a degree.  However, it is my belief that there is always greater depth, and deeper ways to God, that we will never grasp, even when we see Him face to face!  

Using the imagery of Egypt in scripture as an example, it was both a blessing and a curse to the Jews.  It initially was a place of shelter and abundance, even multiplication to the Jews, under Joseph, but soon became an enslaving nation. Later, in Matt 2, we see God sending Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt to escape the killing plans of Herod, so Egypt was again a shelter for the very Son of God, not just His people.  Possibly these verses from Isaiah represent this very thing, the Blessing of God released on Egypt for their role in protecting Jesus.  I think that is probably a bit of an over-reach.

What I think we are seeing here in Isaiah 19, is the uncovering of God's truer feeling for the nation of Egypt, and the Assyrians ( which include present day Iraq and Iran).  When I say truer, I mean that we probably haven't actually plumbed the full depth of God's feelings for them, but He definitely loves them, and calls them His people.

Now, taking this thematic idea of God's seemingly deeper love, mercy and compassion towards those we would think of as His enemies, or at least the enemies of His people, we must revisit our own judgmental attitudes towards them.   Some of our brothers and sisters even go so far as calling down judgment on certain people groups.  I believe that this perspective, while possibly even founded on some scripture, like Isaiah 19:1, probably doesn't represent God's true heart towards these people.  I am reminded of two separate verses from the Gospels.

John 3:16-17 NIV:

[16] "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Matthew 9:11-13 NIV:

[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.”

I believe that Jesus' life and words best represent God's heart towards the world, towards all that are in the world, even towards those that are sinners and even possibly considered enemies of His church.  This is a very large stretch for most of us, but God doesn't limit Himself to our thoughts or our ways.  He is God, unchanging, and His plans, thoughts, emotions and purposes are far beyond our ability to comprehend.  We would, however, do well to emulate Him in his best revelation, His Son Jesus.  We would also do well to humbly accept that we don't actually understand all of God's ways.  

In summary, I am convinced that God sees the world differently than I do.  I am convinced that my grasp of His Word, is at best shallow.  I am convinced that my best path is to try to emulate His Son Jesus, in my life here, that I might represent Him to the best of my ability.  I am further convinced that I will be surprised by God's mercy, compassion and love!  He really is so far beyond my understanding and knowledge, but He is always inviting me deeper.  

Amen!

A Life and Legacy of Love and Faithfulness

This morning I have been reflecting on my life, a bit more than usual, as it was 6 years (plus 4 days) that my Dad passed on into heaven.  If there is one thing I can say that sums up my Dad's life, it would be to say he left a rich legacy of faith and love!  As I look at my life, I wonder if the same could be said of me, and it causes me to reflect, which is a good thing.  

Like usual in the midst of my reflection I like to go to scripture to get a different perspective, and today is no exception.  I started reading John's Gospel, and realized he didn't include his own testimony of the Lord calling him and his brother.  His Gospel is so different than the other three, much more of an eye-witness account, and I found it interesting that he didn't include the brief account that is included by the other Gospels.  Here is the account from Matthew 4:18-22 NIV:

[18] "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. [19] “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” [20] At once they left their nets and followed him. 

[21] Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, [22] and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

Going back to John's Gospel, we find that when he refers to himself, it is often in relationship to Jesus, as the one Jesus loved (See John 13:33). I think this is a good perspective to have in life, that our significance really comes from our relationship with the Lord.  Not in a bragging sort of way, but as the source of identity and purpose and focus.  We are told that John and James, left their father, their boats, everything and followed Jesus.

In some of my past research I realized that James and John were likely the first cousins of Jesus, as it appears that their mother and Jesus' mother Mary were sisters. (see - https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/05/an-interesting-thoughti-wonder.html)  When I realized that, it helped me to understand, a bit more, the verses from Matthew where he describes James and John leaving everything to follow Jesus.  They were already well acquainted with Him, as first cousins, who might even have grown up together or at least seen each other regularly.  That being said, its clear that Jesus didn't begin His active ministry until after His baptism, and I believe that Jesus really did live a basically unremarkable, though perfectly obedient to the Father, life up until that point.  I wrote a few reflections on what I call "Reflections on a Quiet God" and they have to do with Jesus growing up, knowing He is the son of God, but not being released into ministry until He was 30 - they might be helpful.

This morning my reflection is centered on John.  His life, was unremarkable as well, up until that day that Jesus called him and his brother to follow him.  He was a fisherman, raised by a fisherman, living in a fishing village.  I am sure his daily life was focused mostly on fishing, providing sustenance for his family, and the community, for surely they sold their fish in the market.  The question, if you can call it that, that I am considering this morning, is how John lived His life out, after the 3 years of ministry with Jesus?  

It is clear from scripture that he spent those three years living with and following Jesus.  He was one of His most trusted disciples, and after Jesus ascended He was one of the leaders of the newly founded church.  However it was  the other James who was the primary leader of the Church (See Acts 15:13), John's brother James was executed by Herod (Acts 12:2), and Peter was the leader of the active ministry, and John was Peter's companion.  In fact, in the following Acts of the Apostles, we don't hear anything more about John specifically after chapter 8.  In fact, we don't really hear from or about John until he writes His letters and His Gospel, which were written later in His life. 

What we do know from history of the early church is that John was active in ministry in Jerusalem, then Ephesus and eventually Patmos, where he was banished.  According to early writers, "when John was aged, he trained Polycarp who later became Bishop of Smyrna. This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to future generations. Polycarp taught Irenaeus, passing on to him stories about John. Similarly, Ignatius of Antioch was a student of John and later appointed by Saint Peter to be the Bishop of Antioch." ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle). 

Thus, while still recognized as a leader, we see that John was mostly concerned with establishing the church on a solid foundation.  He was a faithful follower and leader, but didn't require the spotlight.  He ministered for the remainder of his life, continuing to to follow the one who called him that day.  His faithfulness, and consistent witness were key to his legacy.  He didn't falter, that we know of, he continued on pursuing the call of His life, and was a faithful witness years after the rest of the Apostles  were gone, all martyred.  He is called by some the Apostle of love, for his first letter resonates with that core commandment.  He encouraged the followers of Jesus to love, as He (Jesus) loved us!  He wrote the following verses in his first letter 1 John 3:11,16-18 NIV:

[11] "For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." 

[16] "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

In summary, as I reflect on John's life, for a few minutes, I am encouraged that a life of faithfulness and love, a life dedicated to passing on what is known, what has been experienced, and what is most important, being loved by the Lord, is a life worth living, and a legacy worth passing on.  John knew Jesus maybe better than anyone alive, probably from the time of his childhood, and he dedicated his life to continuing Jesus' ministry and message.  He spent many years in obscurity, as a fisherman, then as one of the three most trusted companions, then as a leader dedicated to passing on to others such as Polycarp and Ignatius, Jesus' teachings and ministry of love. He was an eye-witness to Jesus, and his life was his witness. 

My prayer is that my life might be a witness to those that follow, to those that want to know this Jesus.  My prayer is that my relationship with Jesus would be that which is my anchor for my life, that which keeps me faithful and focused.  My prayer is that being "one that Jesus loved" is sufficient for me. My prayer is that my message of love, of loving one another, of loving in action, would be evident in and from my life. 

Amen! 

 

Don't Be Distracted, Waiting For The Wedding!

Last night I had an interesting dream.  I was attending a wedding, and it was a large crowd of people that were gathering, so much so that the facility was filling up with people.  It seemed that there was some delay with the starting of the ceremony, and the longer the delay, the more people that packed the facility to the point that it was standing room only.  As the delay continued, some of the waiting people started singing songs that they knew, and it became a fun almost concert-like environment, where one group would sing something, then another group.  I must confess, I was one who was leading a group of singers.  This went on for probably 15 minutes, and it was quite amazing.  As we finished one song I looked toward the front and realized in the midst of our singing we had totally missed the entrance of the bride and groom, for the wedding ceremony had already started.  That is where I woke up.

I must say every night is an adventure of dreams for me, and this was just one of several dreams I had last night.  However, this one certainly seems full of biblical imagery, and I though it an interesting picture.  We know from scripture that Jesus used the imagery of a wedding a few times.  He described the Kingdom of Heaven as a wedding feast (Matt 22:1-14), He talked about guests who had been invited, and those that chose not to attend. Jesus also talked the return of the master from a wedding banquet, and the need for the servants to be ready and waiting (Luke 12:35-38).  Finally in the Book of Revelations, the second coming of Jesus is called the Wedding of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9).  Finally I am reminded of a couple verses from Peter's second letter where he is writing of the day of the Lord (The second coming of Jesus) - 2 Peter 3:8-10 NIV:

[8] "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

[10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare."

This dream seems to use some similar imagery, but is addressing the waiting period, and the attention of the wedding guests, of which I am clearly one.  I am sure that when Peter wrote those verses about waiting, he had no idea he was actually describing a wait for the second coming that would be two thousand years at least. The early church figured that the second coming was relatively soon, many thought t would happen in their life time, and yet we still are waiting.  

For many in the early church, the second coming was easy to imagine as they still were eye-witnesses to Jesus' actual life, and Ascension to Heaven, so the idea that He would come back in a similar way, soon, made total sense.  However, as the decades and even centuries have gone by, the idea of Jesus coming back, while always a theme, seems to have lost some of its impact.  I know that there are plenty who still preach the second coming, but at this point, we may think they are a bit "religious nutty", or maybe a bit cartoonish, as one carrying a sign announcing "The End is Near!"   

As I reflect at the content of my dream, I would say this an encouragement not to lose sight of why we are actually being gathered.  It is difficult to maintain our focus on the coming of the Bridegroom when He delays his arrival!  We would be wise to be prepared, to maintain our vigil, for we do not know the hour or day (Luke 12:38)  It would be important for us to not get distracted by our own cleverness, our own singing, if you will, and lose sight of the real reason we have been called. 

Sometimes, these days, it seems that we can become more focused on gathering for a great preacher, or gathering for a great worship experience, or even great fellowship, but the truth is that we are gathered, waiting for the Wedding of the Lamb!  Our experiences are not the focus, nor the reason for our gathering, we are called to join this great wedding, and though delayed that should be our focus and what we are preparing ourselves to experience!

My encouragement this morning is to remind myself of the truth of the second coming of Jesus, the Wedding of the Lamb, and to make sure I am prepared  personally.  I always have said, I don't know when the "End of the World" will come, or if will come in my life time. However,  I do know the "End of my world" will come in my life-time, and that is what I must be prepared for, whether it is today, tonight or 20 years from now. I must not become distracted by the seeming delay, but maintain my vigilance, and be ready.  For me, that means that I have accepted the salvation offered me by Christ Jesus (the wedding garment of His righteousness) and my light burning (continuing in my witness to Him in my life). 

My prayer is that you join me in maintaining our focus on the Lord, and not our own cleverness! 

Amen and Amen!

We Have No Other King!

This morning I am reflecting on some verses from John 19 which we might overlook at times, for they are captured in the greater context of Jesus' passion and death.  However, as I read this chapter this morning, these verses really stood out - John 19:13-15 NIV:

[13] When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). [14] It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 

[15] But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” 

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. 

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered."

The last statement, made by the chief priests, just grabbed my attention this morning and I want to spend some time looking at this radical statement, and their motivation.  

On the surface, we could think that they are just saying the expected answer, which was required under Roman law, but I think there is much more to their claiming no other king but Caesar.  We could say that they are using this approach so that they can have Jesus put to death, as they didn't have the right to do that under Roman law, and yet, I think that is missing some of the real reason.  

The question in my mind this morning, is why did they want to kill Jesus so bad that they would openly embrace the Roman law and their oppressor?  I believe it has to do with the politics of power!  They had some level of power and authority, and they saw that the people were starting to look to Jesus as having a far superior authority and power.  He had raised Lazarus from the dead! He had taught with authority and demonstrated that authority and power multiple times.  He did all things well, and repeatedly proved Himself superior to them.  

I believe that much of their fear was a fear of losing their positions of power, of influence, and political impact.  They were the ones in power, the ones that mattered, the ones the people had looked to previously, and suddenly the people were favoring Jesus over them.

As I was reading this and reflecting on this, it made me realize the depth of depravity people will go to in order to maintain their seat at the table, if you will.  They were willing to fully embrace the very ones they had been resisting in order to maintain what little power they had!  They were rejecting their true Messiah, in order to stay under the thumb of Roman oppression, just so they could go on living their lives of self importance.  Their were rejecting God's promised savior in favor of earthly power.  They were rejecting the first and second commandments so they could enjoy their positions.  

I am reminded of the Jews original rejection of God, found in 1 Samuel 8:6-8 NIV:

[6]  But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. [7] And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. [8] As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you."

My question this morning is are we doing this same thing today?  Are we putting a political ideology before God, because we want to keep our way of life, or position of power, or whatever?  Does fully embracing the things of God challenge us to lay down things we don't want to lay down?  Are we embracing our oppressor, rather than our savior?  Are we willing to embrace the world rather than follow God's plan and purpose for us, because we like what the World offers?  

I think that none of us would willingly shout "Crucify Him!", yet possibly our actual actions might be saying the same thing as the chief priests!   We don't want God to disturb our lives, to interrupt the good thing we have going, and given a choice, which we have daily, we would choose wrongly.

Lord, help us, help me!  Help me to recognize anything that is siding with the oppressor or the world rather than You!

Change and Become Like Little Children

This morning I am reflecting on the sermon from our church yesterday.  The speaker, who is a missionary, said that in His experience, often the newly converted see more effective ministry, with little to no training, than those who are thoroughly trained (my paraphrase of what I heard).  He is a trainer, so he wasn't negating the need for training, but he was speaking about an interesting observation concerning courage.

I was reflecting on that and the image of a little child just learning to walk and climb came to mind.  I am not sure what your experience has been with children, but both of my children were absolutely fearless when they first learned to walk and climb.  My granddaughter who is 2+ is very similar, just no fear, and believing that she can do  just about anything, walk anywhere she wants and climb anything in front of her.  I love her absolute belief in herself!  I love how she is not afraid to conquer a new challenge, to figure out how to climb a new climbing wall, whatever there is in front of her that she wants to do.  As I was thinking about her little dynamic personality, I was reminded of something Jesus said to His disciples concerning becoming like little children.  Here are the verses - Matthew 18:1-5 NIV:

[1] "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 

[2] He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. [3] And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

Now the context of Jesus reply doesn't exactly fit my reflection this morning, but I think there are some parallels that are helpful.  He was talking about the societal position of the child, and in that culture, as in most, the children were dependent on their parents, were not considered a part of society apart from their family.  Their identity was tied to the family lineage, and for the Jews, most of that flowed down from their fathers.  

Looking back at what Jesus said initially, "unless you change and become like little children" He clearly wasn't speaking about becoming physically like little children, nor do I think He was speaking about losing our life experience, so what is Jesus referring to here?  I believe He is addressing our mindset, and our perception of ourselves.  

Jesus goes on says this is a critical requirement to entering the Kingdom.  That is such an interesting statement!  We must become like little children to enter the Kingdom.  Note, He is saying this to people who thought they were already in the Kingdom, so it appears to be a foundational truth, that is important to go back to regularly.  

I contend that what He is saying is that an absolute dependency on the Father is what we need!  Everything we do, everything about how we think about ourselves should be from Him!  This is how children experience the world.  First and foremost, their world-view is formed by and through their relationship with their parents.  The child doesn't really have any other options.  The child is unaware of any other reality, and in this case I believe Jesus is calling the disciples to change and go back to this core relationship, and complete dependency.  Salvation comes through this relationship, and is essentially the re-establishment of that relationship.

It is in this place of complete dependency that humility is embraced.  For the child it is natural, and all they know, for an adult to change and become like a child, it requires a willingness to embrace a different mindset, to think and act differently.  I believe this is fundamentally what Jesus is talking about, our willingness to embrace a complete dependency on Him!  Its not nearly as easy to do as it is to say.

However, in light of my initial reflection this morning, I think there are many benefits to this becoming like a child, that we tend to lose in our 'religiousness' and striving for maturity.  There is an excitement about life, a courage and resiliency, a willingness to believe, and a living of life in constant dependency.  All of these characteristics are beneficial in the life of a believer!  I believe that Jesus was also speaking about these when He said that we need to change and become like little children.  

I think He wants us to embrace the following:

Excitement about life, it is full of possibility

Believe that we can do anything and everything in front of us, for He is good

Complete Dependency on Him for understanding who we are and what we are capable of doing

Courage to try new things, to explore and conquer new trials

Constant connection with Him for encouragement, support and sustenance

Encounter life as His child

This morning I am encouraged to look at my perspective and see where I am restraining these "child-like" mindsets, so that I might change!  I am encouraged to look to all the Lord has done, and celebrate His faithfulness and goodness.  I am encouraged to look at who He says I am, to believe that first and foremost!  I am encouraged to welcome the ew day with the vigor of my grand-daughter, excited about all the possibilities the day will bring!

Amen!

Pour It Out

Yesterday, our pastor was speaking about being offended towards the Lord, when He does things we don't expect, or differently than we want.  It was a very helpful reflection, and got me thinking again about a recent reflection I had concerning Mary and Martha and the death and raising of their brother Lazarus (See  https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2021/09/why-mary-waits.html ).  

I was thinking that the story didn't end with the raising of Lazarus.  I thought I should spend a bit more time looking at the following chapter, for we often just stop with the raising of Lazarus, but there is indeed more to that story found in John 12:1-9,12-13 NASB:

[1] "Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. [3] Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

[4] But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, [5] "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?" [6] Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. 

[7] Therefore Jesus said, "Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. [8] For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me." 

[9] The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 

[12] On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [13] took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, "Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel."

My first thought as I read through these verses was that Mary was able to release her offense (in my opinion something she carried against Jesus, prior to Lazarus' raising) and worship Him.  I think  we would all find that response natural and appropriate considering her brother was sitting there alive and well at the table with Jesus!  However, I think that many of us, when we have been wounded deeply by someone close, regardless of how that hurt is resolved or healed, struggle with trusting them ever again.   One could say the wounding left a permanent scar within the context of that relationship.

If we break it down a bit more, the offense is usually related to a betrayal of trust.  In Mary's case she had trusted Jesus, believing that He was going arrive in time to heal her brother before he died.  She knew Jesus, loved Him and believed in Him.  My conjecture as well is that she was vocal about this trust, telling her friends that Jesus would get there in time to heal Lazarus, even when things were looking dire. I believe that her offense was the result of that trust being broken.  Who knows, she might even had heard Jesus promise to help them if they ever needed Him!  Regardless, I believe she was deeply wounded.

At this point we all know the story of how Jesus then called Lazarus out of the grave, and everything must have been wonderful!  However, lets go back to Mary, for she had suffered very real and very deep pain!  In the midst of the glory of receiving her brother back, there might just have been a question as to why she had been forced to suffer such pain.  It might not have been right away, but I am sure the memory of that pain didn't just disappear.  

In light of this, I believe her next action, that of anointing Jesus' feet, was so significant!  She was blessing Him, and showing Him honor and at the same time, expressing intimate worship, for her hair was her glory (see 1 Cor 11:15) and she was using it to wipe Jesus feet!  She was effectively saying that her best was His!  She was doing this in front of all those that had gathered for the feast, and was effectively proclaiming her worship, her laying down of any injury or hurt, a complete baring of her heart in adoration, and the complete healing of her wounds!  

I find it interesting that Judas had to break into this most intimate worship with concern about the cost.  Isn't that just like the spirit of religion, calling into question the extravagance of worship from a place of deep emotion, love or devotion?  We tend to find people's extravagant worship uncomfortable, or even judge them to be over-doing it just a bit!  We misunderstand that this worship often is the result of chains being broken, captives being set free!  In Mary's case, she had broken free from the fetters of offense!  I am reminded of the man who was healed outside the temple in Acts 3:1-10.  I am sure there were those who wanted to keep him from "walking and leaping and praising God" (Acts 3:8).  

Finally, I want to note that Jesus defended Mary in her worship!  In fact there is another similar story found in Matt 26, a woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive perfume, again pouring forth her worship on Him, and Jesus says the following, "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her." ( Matthew 26:13 NASB).  My point is that the Lord, takes very special notice of those that pour forth intimate worship to Him!  Let us honor those who do, even as the Lord does, and not act like Judas Iscariot.

In summary, I am encouraged to look at my heart and make sure that I have laid down any offenses I have against the Lord!  I am encouraged to worship Him as He is worthy of my adoration, my intimate worship.  I am encouraged to press past the point of any trust issues, or any scarring from past hurts, to just worship at His feet.

Amen!

Suffering According To God's Will?

Last night I had an interesting dream about a family with four kids who felt called to the Mission field in a dangerous country.  They were preparing to go, and to help them get ready for the huge adjustment they were going to experience, they were working at living simply and embracing difficulty. Two things they were doing were interesting, the first was what they called a note-card fast.  They wrote 5 or 6 things on the card, and only did those things for a few days.  It allowed them to focus on what is really important, learning to live without.  On the other side of the card, they listed the difficulties that they were experiencing and celebrated them.  That is where I woke up.  

When I woke up I was immediately reminded of a few different verses, but specifically a verse from 1 Peter 4:19 NIV:  "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

This is such an interesting verse and on its own, out of context, it could raise some serious questions.  However, it is directly related to the verses that precede it, and should be quoted that way or the all important context gets filtered out.   Here is most of the preceding paragraph - 1 Peter 4:14-19 NIV:

[14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [19] So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

In this case, the suffering mentioned previously is essentially a type of persecution, hardship because of the name of Christ, as a follower of His.  The word "according" in verse 19 is related to our obedience and following after Christ, not as one could read, 'because God wants you to suffer'.  Jesus did warn His disciples that they would undergo  trials and persecutions because they were His followers (Matt 5:11), and this is exactly that.  

God doesn't take joy in causing us to suffer! He does not direct suffering to land on our heads, or fill up our lives.  However, He recognizes that the way He has birthed the church and His kingdom, in this present age, will cause conflict, and we, as His followers, will be affected by this conflict.  We will undergo unpleasant experiences, which is what the Greek word pascho, here it is translated suffering, means.  If we follow Christ, we will experience unpleasant things.  We will see relationships affected, we will have the option to  conform our wills to His,  which will require us dying to our own will.  All of this is a form of suffering, a passing through unpleasant experiences in our journey to follow Him. 

In the dream this morning, the family grasped this all and understood that they were going to be walking into unpleasant and difficult circumstances, and their choice to obey that call was clearly leading them down that path.  The Lord wasn't desirous of their suffering, He was calling them into a place of ministry, and suffering was going to be one of their experiences.  At the same time, they would likely experience signs and wonders and glorious miracles in His name, so that their focus would be more on the faithfulness of God, and not so much on their suffering.  

I think that for many of us Christians, we think it is going to be all one or the other, blessing or suffering, and the truth is that there will be both, and we must not be surprised.  We must be willing to grow, to strengthen ourselves, and recognize that the world will not love us because we follow Him, but that in following Him we will see His name glorified!  Jesus Himself said the following, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV)

So, this morning I am encouraged to lean into the Lord, trusting His plan and purposes, and recognizing that life isn't going to always be a bed of roses.  I am encouraged to look at my life and consider those things that are most important, making sure to keep my focus on them, rather than being distracted by everything that is going on all over the world.  I am encouraged that on my path of following Jesus I will endure hardship even suffering, but that I will experience far more glorious things in and through His presence.  I am encouraged, by my love for Him, to embrace all that comes my way, not seeking hardship, but not fearing it.

Lord, help me to follow You!

Amen!