Martyrs and Purification

This morning as I sat down to pray I was reminded that in the Catholic Church they remember St. Stephen today, the first martyr.  It always seemed a bit strange that the memorial celebration of the first martyr followed so closely after the celebration of Christ's birth.  In doing a little research I found that he is celebrated this day because his remains were miraculously found on Dec. 26th.  Regardless, of why, it is interesting that the Church celebrates martyrs.  

We generally don't like thinking about persecution and martyrdom, here in the American church, but history is full of men and women who have given their lives rather than renounce their faith.  For many in the American church, our faith is something enjoyable, something we grew up with and something we associate with being good people.  However, in my opinion, if pushed, many would walk away from their faith.  We see many leaving their lives of faith for many different reasons, persecution not often one of them.  

This morning I felt led to read from 1 Peter 4, and didn't immediately put the two (initial thought about St. Stephen) and the encouragement to read from this chapter together.  Here are the verses that resonated with me today -  1 Peter 4:12-17 NIV:

[12] "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [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?"

Verse 12 is one that we certainly don't hear many sermons about here in the American Church!  However, Peter's simple statement does need to be embraced in our faith.  We should not be surprised when go through difficulties related to our faith, as though it were something strange.  If we are truly living our faith, embracing the teaching and life of Jesus, we will be different than the world, and that is a good thing!  Our life as new creations, as spirit filled and led people is meant to standout as a light in this dark world.  The spiritual forces that are against God will try to stop the advancement of God's kingdom any way they can, up to and including death.  We see this reality lived out in the early church, and we see it lived out in the lives of many of our brothers and sisters around the world today. 

The original Greek that is translated fiery ordeal could be translated as purifying testing, and that certainly seems to be true. The threat of persecution, and the actual living through persecution seems to bring about a refinement and strengthening of faith.  While I know nothing of this other than what I have read, it seems true to me.  Our faith at its core is about our relationship with God.  My experience with relational testing and difficulty, is that when you must fight for your relationship, your love, affection and commitment to that relationship grows stronger.  If I was forced to renounce my relationship with my honey, I would resist unto death for we are one.  

In a period of testing, many of the comforts and trappings do fall away, as one clings to the most important things to ensure survival.  In my mind this is what a purifying testing will bring about in our faith lives.  Those things which do not really matter, those comforts we enjoy will fall away, for they are not necessary.  I think we will find that much of our church expression the America is made up of comforts, programs, liturgies, and trappings that are not essential to the survival of our faith.  I think we will be a bit surprised when religion is stripped away, and we are left with the key components of our faith, and life as Kingdom residents. 

Recently in KC one of our well respected leaders has fallen due to news of past sinful behavior, and it is certainly a time of shaking and testing for many.  The danger to the church, in times such as these, is that we focus on the wrong things.  The life of any one individual does not represent Jesus, and the life enjoyed under any one person's leadership is not the same as life connected to the Body of Christ.  We must learn to disassociate failed leaders and leadership from the move of the God present in such places.  Peter clearly warns that times of judgment will begin in God's household, and we must expect further purification as Holy Spirit purifies the Church.

While such purification is not pleasant, and does cause us to review our lives, our beliefs and our practices, it is essential.  The result of the first persecution was the spread of the Gospel to the Samaria and Ethiopia and much of Asia minor.  The church, while scattered, spread and multiplied, and was purified, and much of who we (The Body of Christ worldwide) are today can be traced back to those events.

My prayer is certainly not to have such purifying trials released in our midst, but the fact that they will be is most certain.  We must make sure that our Gospel is true, is unencumbered by comforting extras or poor theology.  We must focus on those things that will endure, relationships, prayer, thanksgiving and teaching!  Where we meet and how we meet with certainly change, but our trust is in our God to lead us and guide us! 

May the Lord bless You, reveal to you those things that are most important in your relationship with Him, that You might rightly invest your time, focus and energy in the the most valuable.  Let us not turn away from the Lord due to the failings of human leaders or leadership, but let us understand that such shaking and purifying is essential in bringing about a pure and spotless bride (Eph 5:26-27).

Let us embrace relationship with our Lord and Savior!

Amen and Amen!

The Days of the Shattered Yoke

Here is the scripture I am meditating on this morning - Isaiah 9:2-4,6-7 NIV:

[2] "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 

[3] You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 

[4] For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor." 

[6] "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

[7] Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. 

He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. 

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

I love this prophetic picture of the Messiah, spoken 700 or so years before Jesus' birth.  In our present historical context, that would be before the discovery of the new world, actually in what we would call the middle ages.  The rule and reign of most places have changed radically in the last 700 years, but to the Jewish faith, 700 years is a moderate sliver of time.  The last prophet wrote about 300 years before the birth of Jesus, and yet the Jewish faith, mindset and prophetic  hope persisted.  

It really is pretty amazing how locked in on the Messianic Prophecy they were as people.  I am not familiar enough with other religions, but I believe this prophetic hope, this looking to the fulfillment of promises in the distant future seems unique, for sure in intensity.  The faith in the coming of the Messiah seemed to be present in both the minds and hearts of the leaders as well as the common people.  

There are several questions rolling around in my mind this morning that I would love to research, but today I just want to look at the beginning of this prophecy, specifically verse 4.  One can clearly understand why the Jewish people thought of the Messiah as a military leader/king.  The defeat of Midian used as an example is found in the Book of Judges, chapter 7.  Gideon and his 300 men, with the strategy and help of the Lord vanquished the huge army of Midian.  Interestingly, they used shouts, trumpets and torches, and the Lord caused such confusion that the Midian army turned on itself!   This is such a great story, and one that would certainly capture the imagination of a people under the oppression of the Roman's.

However, the yoke that burdened them, the bar and rod God is actually speaking about were much larger and stronger than the Romans, He was referring to sin and death.  The Lord speaks of and from levels that we cannot rightly comprehend, for who would have read or heard that sentence and thought, 'God is speaking of sin and death'?!  The Lord was speaking of that which affects us all, not just the Jewish people, or the people of that time frame.

We rightly celebrate the birth of Jesus, of God with us, Emmanuel, as the beginning of the end of the power of sin and death.  His coming to earth made possible the restoration of right relationship of all women and men with our heavenly Father.  We no longer have to suffer under the yoke, bar and rod of our oppressors!  Freedom and Eternal Life are available to us now, and have been ever since Jesus came to bring salvation to the world!

Jesus' coming to earth was not the beginning of a new religion, it was the beginning of new Creation, and He is the first born of this new people!  

This new reality is even more persistent than the Jewish mindset, faith and  prophetic hope of that time!  His coming to earth has radically shifted the eternal destiny of all men. His government (the Kingdom of Heaven) has been established and will never end, and is always increasing!  The thought and belief of much of the world has been shifted, and His truth will never end!  

Words cannot possibly capture the significance of His visitation, His becoming fully man, His willingness to pay the price for the redemption and restoration of all.  We cannot comprehend all that He has done, this side of eternity, and just as the Jews didn't understand the true meaning of the prophecy in Isaiah 9, we don't fully understand all that the Lord has said and done on our behalf!  

It is my prayer that this Christmas we might understand the love and mercy of the Lord!  I pray that we might more fully understand the incredible gift we have been given in the restoration of relationship with the Father!  I pray that we might receive the gift of freedom and grace extended to us by Jesus our savior!  I pray that we might celebrate the shattered yoke of our oppressors and embrace life as His daughters and sons!

May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Paybacks Are A Blessing!

This morning I am continuing my reading of 1 Peter, I am into the third chapter today and reflecting on the following verses - 1 Peter 3:8-12 NIV:

[8] "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 

[10] For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. [11] They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

I was just thinking through these verses and was reflecting on how strange verse 9 is to put into practice.  We have a saying that "paybacks are a b**ch", and Peter is saying that we should make it "paybacks are a blessing!"  Man, that just doesn't roll off my tongue easily, and I certainly struggle to do this in my day-to-day life!

In our limited and self-focused world, we have this idea of fairness and justice, and our call here is to lay those down and love, bless, extend mercy, compassion and love to all, regardless of their sins and actions towards us.  Jesus is our perfect example of this attitude and action.  Paul writes the following in his letter to the Romans 5:6-8 NIV:  "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

In other words, Jesus repaid our sins with salvation!  

Wow!

One of my favorite Authors, Graham Cooke, shared of a time that his ministry was being attacked by another local minister.  As he brought this to the Lord and asked what he should do, the Lord asked him to bless this other minister financially, and anonymously. He would get envelopes, fill them with cash and deposit them in this other  minister's mailbox, for months.  Doesn't that just make your mind and heart tilt?

Imagine if we lived our lives this way!  

On one hand, I think that I would get taken advantage of constantly!  People could say or do whatever they wanted and all I would ever do would be to bless them! I would expect to get run over and have no way to restore my self-esteem, my self-worth and my own sense of justice.  I would likely be angry and feel abused (just being real!).  (This is clerly my selfishness talking!)

However, imagine what our life would be like in a body of believers that embraced this whole word.  We are called to be "like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."  Imagine if we learned to respond to harsh words with blessings!  Imagine how your disagreements with your spouse would be changed!  Peter is not talking about the tongue in cheek blessing used in the South, "well, bless his heart!", but rather real blessing, speaking positive words, embracing in love, compassion and sympathy!  

Frankly, I have a hard time even imagining what this would look or sound like, it is so foreign to me!

This morning I am encouraged to look at my life and see how I can live my life speaking blessings!  I am encouraged to be more loving, compassionate, sympathetic, humble and gentle in my dealings with others, especially those that I struggle with! 

Oh Lord, I need Your help!

Amen!

Shepherd and Overseer

This morning I am continuing my reading of 1 Peter, and allowing the words to settle into my heart and mind, looking for that which the Holy Spirit highlights.  As such, I am reflecting on the following verses - 1 Peter 2:13-25 NIV:

[13] "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 

[18] Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. [19] For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 

[22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 

[23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

Two things stood out to me as I read through these verses.  First, the mindset around suffering as a follower of Christ, and secondly, the very last sentence about the Lord being the shepherd and overseer of our souls.  

As I was reading through verses 18-23 I was reminded of one of the characteristics of the early Christian martyrs that was consistent, this being their peace in the face of death, their silence before their accusers.  They had a very real experience of what Peter writes about here.  They did not fear death and received their punishment, even as Christ received His.  It is said that their peace, even serenity, their worship of God while being put to death caused many to turn to the Lord, for it was so clearly not normal.  The crowds were used to people weeping and screaming and more often than not Christians met their death with dignity, peace, silence or worship.  One of the most detailed records is of the martyrdom of St. Polycarp, who was burned alive.  The account, which was shared in letter to the early churches,  can be found at the following link - https://www.ccel.org/ccel/richardson/fathers.vii.i.iii.html

Thinking about these sufferings and deaths, one must contend with the incorrect thought that Christianity will only lead to blessing and healing, and a wonderful life.  We have somehow tried to cover up the idea that for many the decision to follow Christ leads to struggles and difficulties in this life!  Yet, as Peter accurately points out, Christ endured suffering for us, and in doing do provided us an example for us to follow!  I think in our minds we try to paint this suffering as primarily one of loss of reputation or relationship, not real physical suffering, but this is clearly not the case.  

I focus on this theme to help me recognize any vestiges of incorrect thelogy or thinking in my own heart and mind.  My flesh doesn't like this thought, and personally I would prefer an easy, conflict and suffering free life that ends with a peaceful death and entrance into Heaven.  However, this was not the experience of the early church, nor is it the experience of many Christian's throughout the world today!  There are many places where the church is being actively persecuted, people being killed, tortured, and being imprisoned for following Christ Jesus.  In spite of this suffering, the Church in these locations is growing faster than anywhere else in the world!  

We do like to celebrate the peaceful and joyful birth of Christ, but in reality, He came to suffer and die for our sins, and we must not celebrate one without an awareness and gratitude of the other.

The second point I mentioned above, was the phrase "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls".  The original Greek words are Poimen and Episkopos.  They are defined as follows:

"poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord)."

"epískopos (a masculine noun, derived from 1909 /epí, "on/fitting contact," which intensifies 4649 /skopós, "look intently," like at an end-marker concluding a race) – properly, an overseer; a man called by God to literally "keep an eye on" His flock (the Church, the body of Christ), i.e. to provide personalized (first hand) care and protection (note the epi, "on").

"Though in some contexts 1985 (epískopos) has been regarded traditionally as a position of authority, in reality the focus is upon the responsibility for caring for others" 

While these are helpful in thinking about those called to pastor the church, these words, in this context, are speaking of Jesus and His care and attention towards us.  We sometimes hear people describe the Lord as their personal Savior, and instead of thinking about some sort of individualized expression, this is what they mean!  He is looking over them personally!  He is looking at them intently, guiding them, directing them and nourishing them!  He is very capable of doing this for us all without any help!  

Sometimes, the danger of church leadership is to think that the Lord is absent so we must take on His role and authority.  We must always allow for the Lord to be the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of all in our care!

I almost feel funny writing that last bit, as that is something that should be completely unnecessary.  Unfortunately I have seen and experienced pastoring that was heavy-handed, had nothing to do with what the Lord was doing in my life or the life of others, and at times completely disconnected from Jesus.  

On the positive side, recently I saw a pastor friend of mine post something about his primary role was that of praying for his church.  In this context, his attitude is one of going to the Chief Shepherd and Overseer to receive His insight and directions as to how to care for those in his church.  He embraces this need and call to prayer as the first thing, and in doing so, represents the Lord more accurately.  

Finally, in summary I am reminded that the Lord is my Shepherd and Overseer, and as such has direction, guidance, and encouragement for me!  He loves me, provides for me and calls me to follow after Him. Personal suffering and difficulty does not mean He as abandoned me, rather I am experiencing in some small way what He experienced, and He is present to help me to persevere in the midst of such difficulties, as only one who has gone through something similar can do.  

This morning I am grateful for His personal attention, for His coming to bring salvation to the world, which includes me, and for His amazing love, gentleness, compassion and mercy!  He is worthy of celebrating!

Amen and Amen!

Imitate The Cornerstone

This morning I am thinking about something Peter wrote that I have read before, but have never spent time thinking about it, and today the phrase grabbed my attention.  Here are the verses - 1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV:

[4] "As you come to him, the living Stone---rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--- [5] you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

The thing that caught my attention was Peter's applying the term "living stones" to us.  The original Greek words basically mean exactly that, stones that are alive.  In this case, we must turn to the origination of this phrase, which Peter goes on to include, for Jesus is clearly the Living Stone.  In the following verses Peter quotes three different verses from Isaiah 28, Psalms 118 and Isaiah 8.

1 Peter 2:6-8 NIV:

[6] "For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 

[7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 

[8] and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” 

They stumble because they disobey the message---which is also what they were destined for."

As the first living stone, Peter is applying the meaning of the cornerstone, which is defined as:  "A cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure." ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerstone).  

It is so important that we understand this structural reference.  We are all supposed to be in reference to Him, to Jesus.  Our position, our purpose, our alignment, even our inclusion all are referenced from Him. 

As I was thinking about this,  I was reminded that several years ago the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets were popular.  That movement was a resurgence of thought that originally came from Augustine's writings, and then more recently from the writings of Thomas A Kempis (The Imitation of Christ), quoted by Charles Spurgeon in 1891, and then finally from title of a book by Charles Sheldon published in 1896. (historical references from Wikipedia)  The original thinking was actually based on the following verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV:

[19] "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

I find the parallels quite obvious, and Paul adds a statement at the beginning of verses 21 and 22 that is missing from Peter's statement.  Paul says that "in Him" we are joined together and being built.  He is not just our Chief Cornerstone, He is our only reference and connection.  Augustine of Hippo, in 400, expanded on this thought and actually coined the term "imitation of Christ".  We are in Him, and quoting Jesus in John, He is in us! (John 17:23).  We are called to represent, or one could say "to imitate Him" and we do this best from a place of relationship to Him.

We are not called to be cheap imitations, but rather connected directly to the original source, the original type, as much like Him as possible.  We see people doing imitations of famous people and while its helpful, often times funny, we are called to something truer.  Back when I traveled to China you were able to find all sorts of imitation goods that were patterned after the finest brands of golf clubs, watches, fine clothes, purses, and pretty much anything else.  The nearer to perfect imitation, the more they cost.  Regardless of how nice they were they were just patterned after the original, and always pointed to the real thing.  

In our imitation of Christ, we are to do the same, to become like Him, but always pointing to Him!  Our goal is not to encourage people to follow our example, but rather to become like Christ, and follow Him, and become like Him!  He is the reference for us all.  Thus the question is not what would our pastor do, or what would some famous Christian teacher do, but rather what would Jesus do?  What did He demonstrate to us during His time of ministry?  What is recorded in scripture of His words and actions, and treatment of others?  For this reason it is imperative that we know the scriptures, that we reflect on the Gospels, and learn to think and act like Jesus did!  

This is not a scholarly exercise, rather one of internal transformation.  Jesus is in us, we are in Him, Holy Spirit is in us guiding us, and transforming us.  This is about us becoming a new creation in the likeness of our cornerstone, Jesus!

I know that I am far from being a good imitation of Christ Jesus, but that is my goal!  

Lord, I pray that You would help me, help all of us to become more like You!  I pray that You might guide my actions and thoughts, help me to be more like You!  I am desirous of a transformation so complete that others can see You in me.

Amen and Amen!

Love Each Other Deeply

This morning I was reading in first Peter and felt like reflecting on a couple of verses that span a chapter break.  I figured I would put them together, here they are:

1 Peter 1:13-25 NIV:

[13] "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 

[17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 

[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 

[24] For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you."

- and - 1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV:

[1] "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

I like breaking down the logic of verses, and when I read a "therefore" I like to go back and see what its there for!  In this case the statement Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:1 is based on what he wrote in preceding paragraphs.  My focus is verse 1, and his call to get rid of such things.  The expanded definitions of each of the words is very helpful and a helpful internal reflection (although I didn't include them here for brevity), for I want to see if any of these exist in my heart and mind, that I might get rid of them!  

The reason to get rid of these is found in the verses from the first chapter.  We are called to be holy as God is holy, in other words, to represent Him, to be like Him.  We are called to reflect upon our own salvation and redemption, bought for us through the precious blood of Jesus.  This is true of each of us, none has earned our own redemption, all have received it through the grace offered us in Christ!  

This fact, that we are all here at the personal invitation of Jesus should cause our love for one another to blossom, for we are all born again into a new family!  However, as in all relationships, love is not just a feeling, we must choose to love each other deeply!   The Greek word here translated deeply is the word ektenṓs (an adverb) – properly, fully-stretched, i.e. describing the verbal idea as extended out, to its necessary (full) potential ("without slack"); strenuously, without undue let up (as "completely taut"). 

I wrote about love covering a multitude of sins, taken from 1 Peter 4:7-11 and he uses this same basic Greek word there, and it may very well be an extension of the thought that begins here in verse 22, quoted above. If you desire to read that reflection it can be found at - https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2023/11/does-love-cover-multitude-of-sins.html

The idea of love stretching us, is so helpful, at least to me.  I would prefer love that is easy and has the most benefits to me.  I guess honestly, I would prefer love to be completely selfish, self focused, or self benefitting.   This idea of loving others in a way that stretches us is such an important invitation.  

The list of words in 1 Peter 2:1 are all self-focused and are essentially the fruit of that selfishness.  It is impossible, at least in my estimation, to be selfish, self-focused and actually love another or others well, if at all.  

We are called to get RID of these things, or as the Greek word apotithemi is defined to put it off, to lay it aside, to renounce it.  It is interesting in that a few of those Greek words have jealousy as a part or motivation, and I think that seems correct to me.  Jealousy is a terrible thing in the hands, mind and heart of a wounded person.  Out of jealousy we gladly will hand out wounds, and try to somehow bring others down to our own level of depravity and pain.  The call is to get rid or lay aside these things, and it is something we need to choose to do!  We need to be willing to lay down any offense, any jealousy, and anger at our situation, and ask the Lord to fill us with real love for one another, our brothers and sisters in this new family that we have been invited into!  

I like how Peter calls this "pure spiritual milk", bringing forth an image of nursing infants.  We are invited to crave it... which is interesting, in that you can't crave something you haven't tasted.  This is why it is so important for us to live our life of love with one another.  Our love is supposed to be the light that shines in this dark world, that shows people there is a better way, and gives them a taste!  It is part of what we are supposed to crave!  

If we think about our lives, don't we all crave acceptance, true identity, being surrounded by people who accept us for who we are and choose to love us?  We have in us this longing for this experience, and at the same time this longing for things eternal and the good news is that we can experience both in the Body of Christ!  We are supposed to be different than the world, or as Peter says, "the empty way of life" (1 Peter 1:18) or life lived in ignorance (1 Peter 1:14).  Life in the Body of Christ is supposed to be full, fulfilling, nurturing, nourishing and helping us to grow!  Once tasted, our appetite for this real life should increase, and we should find ourselves, growing, maturing, developing, and loving one another deeply.  

As I was thinking about these, I have realized at different times this was not my experience in the Body of Christ, and the Lord has moved me forward to a place where I could experience and participate in a this life!  I am grateful that the Lord's plan for me includes life connected with loving brothers and sisters.  I am grateful for the real nourishment for my soul!

Thank you Lord for your constant invitation to taste and see that You ARE Good!

May the Lord bless you and pour out His love on you in this Christmas season!

Subjugation to Babylon? What?

This morning I felt led to read from Jeremiah 27:1-7 NIV:

[1] "Early in the reign of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] This is what the Lord said to me: “Make a yoke out of straps and crossbars and put it on your neck. [3] Then send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. [4] Give them a message for their masters and say, 'This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: [5] With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. [6] Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him. [7] All nations will serve him and his son and his grandson until the time for his land comes; then many nations and great kings will subjugate him."

These verses really makes one think about one's theology, and belief about God and His character, and can be veery challenging.  Here are some challenging issues:

1) God speaks about Nebuchandnezzar, a enemy king, as "my servant"

2) God says that He is going to give Judah along with Edom, Ammon and Moab to the Babylonian King, which means they will be subject to him and under His power.

3) If our theology is a prosperity type, where we believe God blesses the obedient and punishes the sinful, here obedience leads to subjugation and disobedience to something worse.  There is not really a path that leads to blessing.

4) These verses clearly speak about God using nations and peoples at a grand-scale which seems to take away the responsibility and relationship of the individual person.

In the following verses God warns against listening to prophets who prophesy against this word.  Here are the verses - Jeremiah 27:8-11 NIV:

[8] “ ' “If, however, any nation or kingdom will not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon or bow its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation with the sword, famine and plague, declares the Lord, until I destroy it by his hand. [9] So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, 'You will not serve the king of Babylon.' [10] They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish. [11] But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain in its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord.” ' ”

This is definitely some challenging stuff.  Imagine if the church in America were to hear a word like this speaking about either Russia or China, about bowing our neck under their authority!  I can't even imagine how quickly that prophetic voice would be shouted down!  

I know I have a desire to only hear good words, words that proclaim blessing, and betterance!  I don't want to hear that there might be difficult times ahead, or that I might be affected by bad things.  I want blessing, blessing, blessing, always moving forward and always up!  I tend to ignore anything that isn't what I want to hear.  

In Judah, at this time, there was a bit of a war between prophetic voices, between Jeremiah and pretty much every other prophet, or voice.  If we were to continue reading we will see the war between voices come to a head with Jeremiah being thrown into a pit.  I find in my own life that I have a bit of a war in my mind, for I want to listen to my own voice, not the voice of the Lord. 

As I reflect on verses like these, I always find myself going to a few verses from Isaiah where the Lord talks about His thinking and ways being far different than ours (See Is 55:8-9).  He is thinking and moving at levels we cannot comprehend.  I am reminded of a superior chess player who is 10-12 moves ahead in his mind.  He knows that he has to make sacrifices of his men to move forward in the game, and ultimately win.  If we multiply this chess board by several billion times, this is the context that God is thinking an acting within!  We only get the smallest of glimpses at times, and often we don't understand all the things in process or the full context of what we observe.

I am reminded of a parable of 4 blind men who encounter an elephant, and each examines the part of the elephant in front of them, and they all come up with wildly different description based on what they were able to examine and experience (for more here is a link to the story - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant).  

Because of our limited experience and perspective, we do not understand fully God's plan and purpose.  What seems bad is usually a path forward to something much better.  Graham Cooke, one of my favorite authors, says something like 'behind every difficulty is greater revelation'.  We must learn to trust God, even in the midst of difficult seasons, difficult paths, even ones that look like both paths are not blessing.  

If we hold to the theology that was present at the time of Jeremiah, we will struggle and become offended with God, when things don't turnout the way we think they should, especially when our experience seems counter to words of blessing we have received.  The Jews understood that God was going to send a Messiah, they thought that meant they were going to be reestablished as a mighty nation, under His kingship!  They couldn't comprehend how God would send them into captivity again, and again.  

I think that often when we think about the church and God, we want the God to empower the church to rise up and be recognized as the proper representative of God on Earth, where we rule, and everyone is blessed.  We want God to demonstrate His goodness and power so that everyone will see and know He is real, and good!  We want a mighty King, a powerful Messiah, and we want to be recognized as being on His side.

We don't want difficult seasons in any of our lives, and when things don't work that way, we become offended, even to the rejecting of God.   We can't believe that a good God would allow bad things to happen!  We want His blessing, always better and better!  

When we look at the reality of the church and the Kingdom of God, it was birthed into a time of subjugation (Rome) and did not rise up to throw off the shackles, instead it grew and multiplied mostly under the radar, hidden in the hearts of men and women.  They became a persecuted people and yet they didn't walk away from God, instead they multiplied and spread in the midst of the fire of persecution.

I could continue on, but I have floors to vacuum and chores to do.  Suffice it to say that I am encouraged today to think about what I think and how I think about God!  As A.W.Tozer says, that is the most important thing, what I think about God.  I am encouraged to look at my personal theology, and how I think God should act!  I am encouraged to expand my thinking, so that I don't become offended when things don't turn out the way I want.  I am encouraged to listen to God, not to my flesh as it will reject anything that is painful or difficult!   I do know that God is good, all the time and in every circumstance, and I know that most of the time I won't have the proper perspective to understand how good He really is!   

Lord, I pray for Your continued blessing and for more understanding of You, Your word, and Your will.  Oh Lord help us!

Amen!

The Yeast of the Kingdom

This morning I have been reading about yeast that is used in the bread making process.  This is not my normal line of reflection or study, however I thought it important because Jesus said the kingdom of God was like yeast.  Here is the direct quote - Luke 13:20-21 NIV: 

[20] "Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? [21] It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

It really a very simple statement, and one that made me think, and will hopefully provide some "food for thought" for others.

Simply understood, yeast is a single cell organism (actually related to fungus)  that feeds on sugars and starches in their different forms and converts the sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol.  While it is a single cell organism it typically lives in multi-cellular environments.  It is used in the making of things such as wine and beer, and all sorts of baked goods like bread. Jesus is talking about the flour and bread combination here, so I will dive deeper into that particular process.

The yeast that comes in the packages we use and add to the dough is actually dry yeast that needs to be activated by adding warm water.  This warm water allows the latent yeast to come alive and the process is an aerobic process, in other words it requires oxygen to function properly.  Interestingly, yeast is all around us, and lies dormant until activated.  The initial phase of activation sees the yeast start to use its latent energy reserves, and begin to consume any food around them, with the goal of multiplication. Bread yeast generally reproduces through budding, where a yeast cell grows another cell, and when its the same size as the parent, breaks off and starts the multiplication process.  Any single yeast cell can produce many daughter cells, one at a time. The yeast cells can multiply quickly, doubling in number in an hour and a half.  

As the yeast eats the sugars and starches, it creates carbon dioxide and alcohol in equal amounts in a process that is called fermentation.  In bread, both types help to change the surrounding material, and the yeast provides flavors and aromas as it works through the process.  The release of the elements helps the gluten proteins to bind together, and ultimately the gas gets trapped in little tiny bubbles that enable the dough to rise.  Ultimately, when heated the yeast continues to rise (multiply and eat) until it becomes too hot and the yeast dies, and the gluten structures harden and you have bread!

So how does this relate to the Kingdom of God?  

I don't believe that the common people of Jesus' time knew about all the cellular stuff happening, so while helpful, I think we must look at the basics they would have known.  First, the yeast had to be activated with water and warmth and added to something like flour. The result was that dough rose, or grew in size, and ultimately was able to become bread through baking.  They knew that you needed to mix the yeast into the flour thoroughly, so that it rose evenly.  They knew that yeast added to flour caused the result to smell and taste better. They knew that the yeast had to be alive to work.

Let me see if I can put this into a Kingdom understanding.  

We all have in us latent yeast  - God's image and spiritual DNA (if you will).  God has mixed us all together and we are surrounded by others just like us.  God's spiritual DNA in us is meant to change the world, and to do so this we need this to be activated.  When I think of warm water, I think of "Living Water" affected by the fire of the Holy Spirit!  When activated in us, our lives are transformed, and we begin to impact those around us!  As our lives are consumed we give off that which changes the very structures our surroundings, allowing them to be infused with gas (Holy Spirit) that causes them to rise!  As we do so, a heavenly aroma is released, and the taste of our lives in enriched and changed! 

Taking this to the cellular level of understanding, we are meant to multiply!  We need oxygen (Holy Spirit's breath) to do so, and the environment needs to be conducive.  When you start yeast, you add it to warm water and add a little sugar or flour to the mixture, so that yeast has something to eat as initially, but if left in that starter bowl yeast will quickly consume all the food and die, or back into a latent state.  It must be mixed with larger amounts of flour, once started or it will not be effective. 

Taking all of this back to our lives and being called to multiply the Kingdom of God, we are called to be change agents.  We are unable to do so without activation, and that requires an outside agent (Holy Spirit) being added to our normal dry existence.  Once we come alive, we are meant to affect the larger population, and cause it to rise up.  Gathering together with like minded and spirited people is helpful, as it enables us to become fully enlivened, but we must move beyond that to the larger population.  We should naturally reproduce, and this is part of our very nature.  We are all called to reproduce like minded and hearted others after God's DNA.  As the Church, this is part of our call, to create enlivening environments, that allow for activation, but always with a goal of multiplication and affecting our surroundings, changing the very aroma and taste of our cultures!

So my question this morning is whether I am alive, and activated and reproducing?  Am I changing my environment, and I seeing change in myself, allowing those things in me that can be consumed for God's glory, to be so consumed?  Am I allowing the yeast in me to become alive?  Am I building a conducive environment in my own life to sustain and grow and multiply my own spiritual nature?

Lord, please help me to fulfill completely Your purpose for me!  Help me to affect the lives of my family and those around me, giving You the Glory! Help me to be the yeast of the Kingdom!

Amen!

Identity - Rest For Our Souls

This morning I felt led to read from Matthew 11:25-30 NIV

[25] "At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 

[27] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 

[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I was just thinking about how often we just focus on one of these short paragraphs that are quoted above, rather than reading them all together, and understanding them as potentially part of the same discourse from Jesus.  I love verses 28 & 29 and regularly comment or at least think about the idea of finding rest in Jesus, for my heart and mind do need rest quite frequently.  However this morning as I was reading these three paragraphs together I realized these verses, while so very helpful on their own, are part of the larger topic, and should be understood in that light.

The topic is of the first two paragraphs is clearly 'knowing God the Father', so one would think that the third paragraph would have the same general theme.  In light of that, is Jesus speaking about the quest to know God, in the midst of a society and culture that was full of religion, based on the Law?  Is the Lord, addressing an age-old issue of our trying to find our significance and purpose, our internal awareness that there is something greater than us that has driven countless cultures to worship all sorts of gods? 

In our day today so many people are exhausted, worn down, frustrated, depressed, and any number of other states of unhealthiness, and much could be related to the inability to experience peace and rest, or the missing assurance of one's purpose and identity.  We are seeing so many identity issues these days and for those that struggle in this area, it must be utterly overwhelming and exhausting.

Is it possible these things are related?

It seems to me that this is exactly what the Lord is addressing here.  We can know the Father, as we can know Jesus!  We can understand our purpose and identity with the context of relationship with Him!  In coming to Jesus, we can rest from our pursuit of other things, and be at peace!  He is not some task-master that will require more and more of us to maintain His favour.  He loves us, and has given everything, even His own life, to make a way for us to experience, to know His love!

It is my great prayer that my children and grand children never feel like they need to earn my love.  It is my prayer that they know that I love them regardless of any and every thing.  From the moment I have known about them I have loved them, and love them more every day!  I believe this is just a shadow of the love and relationship we are invited into by Jesus, and the Father, and Holy Spirit!  We can know who we are, and whose we are!  We can know unconditional love, and we can come to a place of peace in our identity!

It is my prayer that this might be our reality!  Lord help us to know You, to come to a place of peace in relationship with You! You have loved us since before the creation of the World, and we can know You and Your love for us!  Help us to find rest for our souls!

Amen and Amen!