This morning I opened my Bible to a set of verses that describes the heart of the Father so well - Matthew 25:34-40 NIV:
[34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. [35] For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, [36] I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
[37] “Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
[40] “The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
As a thought, there is no comment from the King regarding their following the rules, their judging others effectively, their separating themselves from the world, their bringing others into alignment with right teaching. Instead, I see nothing but love, acceptance, care and an expression of the significance of all, especially the lowly.
These are the words of Jesus, at the direction of the Father, for He only said what the Father told Him to say (John 12:49), so these words reflect the Father's heart. It is interesting that Jesus is describing the final judgment and the judgments are being made based on one's care and concern for others. It would seem that if Jesus were talking about the final judgment that He would be giving insight into the most important things. I think of it as If your teacher was preparing you for your final exam, and going over the things you will be tested on during the final. The teacher would hopefully not be going over a bunch of stuff that is not on the test, but rather telling you exactly what you needed to know to pass the test. Thus, I feel these verses are very important for us to understand and embrace.
As I was thinking about these verses I was reminded of similar verses from Isaiah 58:6-12 NIV:
[6] “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
[7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter---
when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
[8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
[9] Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
[10] and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
[11] The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
[12] Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
These verses from Isaiah follow a section where the prophet was calling out false religion. He described a people who followed the rules, but whose hearts were far from Him, and who clearly were not embracing His intentions.
So today, I am encouraged to look at my faith, and to look at my actions and compare them against these verses. I am encouraged to view my heart and my thoughts, to bring them into alignment with what the Lord says, to prepare myself for the final exam.
Lord, please help me to accurately reflect Your heart to all those I meet, especially those in need.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Joy in the Resurrection!
This morning I am confronted once again by the losses my family have experienced this year - 1 year ago today my nephew Joe was ushered into Heaven and 5 months ago my Dad was escorted there too. As I write about them, tears stream down my cheeks, and I am clearly touching my grief in ways that I generally try to avoid. I can look at photos of them and just smile at the memories, but it is when I write that the tears flow. I don't understand it fully, but guess that in writing I am faced with the facts. There is something healthy about facing the facts, and though I am in pain, it seems a good pain, for I know they are both in heaven, enjoying life eternal. I miss them terribly, but I am actually a bit envious of their eternal perspective. They are experiencing the fullness of what we only glimpse in part and understand in part.
I am reminded of two verses that give me hope.
John 11:25-26 NIV:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
I do believe this and so I am hopeful or being reunited with them both, as well as all who have already passed into Eternity. The other verse is:
Matthew 25:21 NIV
“His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
I know that both Joe and my Dad heard these words as they entered heaven, and they are now sharing in the Lord's happiness! I can't even imagine what God's happiness is like, but I know its better than everything good and beautiful and joy inducing that has ever existed on earth.
So, today I am grateful for the celebration of Christ's resurrection in a way and at a depth I have not previously experienced. I am reassured that they live still, enjoying all of God's happiness in eternity. So today I look forward to the day of our reunion, the day I meet the Lord face to face, the day I hope to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Yes, there is joy in the resurrection!
Amen and Amen!
Friday, March 25, 2016
A Good Friday Meditation
This morning I have been reading and meditating on the Passion. It is hard to comprehend the abuse and suffering that Jesus endured because of His love for us! The fact that Jesus, the very son of God, would come to earth is amazing. The fact that He became fully man (Phil 2:7), humbling Himself and becoming like us (Heb 2:14-17), is unbelievable. However all that pales in comparison to the fact that He allowed Himself to be beaten, suffer terribly and ultimately die like a criminal at man's hands. This fact is truly incomprehensible and is truly one of the greatest mysteries and unforeseen plot twists that has ever been conceived. Who would ever have guessed, or thought in their wildest dreams that the Son of God Almighty would come to earth, and rather than judge and punish people for their sins, instead take all that punishment upon Himself, that the people might experience salvation, forgiveness for their sins and life eternal? Yet that is exactly what our God has done for us!
Today we remember all that He suffered and what He accomplished through His suffering because of His love for us. Isaiah saw this prophetically - Isaiah 53:5 NIV: "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."
As Jesus said, "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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17NIV).
I can only say Thank You Jesus!
Today we remember all that He suffered and what He accomplished through His suffering because of His love for us. Isaiah saw this prophetically - Isaiah 53:5 NIV: "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."
As Jesus said, "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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17NIV).
I can only say Thank You Jesus!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
The Kingdom Is Within You
This morning I opened my Bible to the following verses - Luke 17:20-21 NIV:
[20] "Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, [21] nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst (within you).”
I added the parentheses for the meaning of the original Greek word entos is within/inside. When we read "in your midst" we can tend to think that this means some gathering of people and I don't think that captures the full meaning. It seems to me that the Lord is really meaning His Kingdom is within us, each of us individually and collectively in us. His rule, His Lordship are experienced personally. The Holy Spirit resides inside of us (John 14:17), and He is God present in us and a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor 1:22), speaking of our heavenly inheritance in God's Eternal Kingdom.
One of Jesus' main messages was the Kingdom of God. As I have written before, the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah who would restore an earthly Kingdom, and throw off the rule of the Romans. they wanted a real earthly king, like David, and a real earthly kingdom with armies, cities, land and boundaries, etc. They were asking Jesus when He was going to establish this type of kingdom, and Jesus replies that the Kingdom of God is within you, which negates all of their thinking and mindsets. I could just imagine after Jesus' response all the people standing around looking confused, for His answer was not what they expected and He was talking about a completely different paradigm.
I was just reminded of a story that a Russian friend told me about when she brought her Mother to America in the late 80s. They took her to Cub Foods (imagine a Sam's club but only with food) and when her mom walked into the store she stopped and just started weeping. She was overwhelmed that there was so much food. Her only experience to that point was grocery shopping in Russia where there was a very limited supply, mostly empty shelves and no real choice (her words not mine) so when her daughter asked if she wanted to go grocery shopping that is what she was expecting. Her paradigm for groceries was very limited, and when she stepped into the store in America, she went through a radical paradigm shift. She could not have imagined what she saw and was completely overwhelmed, and was crying both tears of joy and sorrow. Joy for what was her new reality, and sorrow for the years she had lost to scarcity and deprivation.
In some ways, this illustrates to me how Jesus' response would have affected His listeners, and how it still relates to us. We really can't fully grasp the reality of what He says - that the Kingdom of God is within us. We can understand the words, but don't have the experiential knowledge of the richness of what He means. Just like the woman's mother understood "grocery shopping" but had no understanding how abundant food could be. We try to put His words into a context that allows us to understand them, but how do we grasp the fact that the Holy Spirit is in us? This is why I believe that the experiential components of the "works" is so important, for the works develop in us an experiential context for deeper understanding of God's words.
As Jesus says in John 14:10-17 NIV:
[10] Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. [11] Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
[15] “If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
The way we can know that The Father was in Jesus was the evidence of the works themselves. In the same way, I believe that the way we can know that the Holy Spirit is in us will be through the evidence of the works Jesus promised we would do (verse 12).
So, back to the Kingdom of God being within us, what greater demonstration can be found than enabling us to do the same works as Jesus? He was demonstrating the reality of the Kingdom through works, why would He ask us to do anything less? As He directed the Apostles when He sent them out, "As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." (Matt 10:7-8NIV).
Amen Lord! Help us to believe and experience this reality.
[20] "Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, [21] nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst (within you).”
I added the parentheses for the meaning of the original Greek word entos is within/inside. When we read "in your midst" we can tend to think that this means some gathering of people and I don't think that captures the full meaning. It seems to me that the Lord is really meaning His Kingdom is within us, each of us individually and collectively in us. His rule, His Lordship are experienced personally. The Holy Spirit resides inside of us (John 14:17), and He is God present in us and a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor 1:22), speaking of our heavenly inheritance in God's Eternal Kingdom.
One of Jesus' main messages was the Kingdom of God. As I have written before, the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah who would restore an earthly Kingdom, and throw off the rule of the Romans. they wanted a real earthly king, like David, and a real earthly kingdom with armies, cities, land and boundaries, etc. They were asking Jesus when He was going to establish this type of kingdom, and Jesus replies that the Kingdom of God is within you, which negates all of their thinking and mindsets. I could just imagine after Jesus' response all the people standing around looking confused, for His answer was not what they expected and He was talking about a completely different paradigm.
I was just reminded of a story that a Russian friend told me about when she brought her Mother to America in the late 80s. They took her to Cub Foods (imagine a Sam's club but only with food) and when her mom walked into the store she stopped and just started weeping. She was overwhelmed that there was so much food. Her only experience to that point was grocery shopping in Russia where there was a very limited supply, mostly empty shelves and no real choice (her words not mine) so when her daughter asked if she wanted to go grocery shopping that is what she was expecting. Her paradigm for groceries was very limited, and when she stepped into the store in America, she went through a radical paradigm shift. She could not have imagined what she saw and was completely overwhelmed, and was crying both tears of joy and sorrow. Joy for what was her new reality, and sorrow for the years she had lost to scarcity and deprivation.
In some ways, this illustrates to me how Jesus' response would have affected His listeners, and how it still relates to us. We really can't fully grasp the reality of what He says - that the Kingdom of God is within us. We can understand the words, but don't have the experiential knowledge of the richness of what He means. Just like the woman's mother understood "grocery shopping" but had no understanding how abundant food could be. We try to put His words into a context that allows us to understand them, but how do we grasp the fact that the Holy Spirit is in us? This is why I believe that the experiential components of the "works" is so important, for the works develop in us an experiential context for deeper understanding of God's words.
As Jesus says in John 14:10-17 NIV:
[10] Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. [11] Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
[15] “If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
The way we can know that The Father was in Jesus was the evidence of the works themselves. In the same way, I believe that the way we can know that the Holy Spirit is in us will be through the evidence of the works Jesus promised we would do (verse 12).
So, back to the Kingdom of God being within us, what greater demonstration can be found than enabling us to do the same works as Jesus? He was demonstrating the reality of the Kingdom through works, why would He ask us to do anything less? As He directed the Apostles when He sent them out, "As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." (Matt 10:7-8NIV).
Amen Lord! Help us to believe and experience this reality.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Gentle Correction
This morning I felt like reading from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV:
[1] "This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. [2] Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. [3] I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. [4] My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."
Recently I have been looking at my motives, and my heart in regards to my faith walk and my actions. I felt like the Lord, was asking me why I was doing or not doing certain things, and it was a good exercise for my heart. As I reviewed my motivation, or lack thereof, I felt like the Lord was gently correcting my heart, making sure that I was working to represent Him, not myself.
I am so amazed at the Lord's gentleness and mercy. I am amazed that He entrusts His Gospel to people like me? I am blessed by His intimate knowledge of me and my heart, and how gently He handles me. He doesn't come blasting in with a list of all the things I am doing wrong, but rather speaks to me at my heart level, asking me questions, that uncover the truth, but in the gentlest way possible.
For example, the other day I was sitting in prayer and I felt like the Lord asked me why I wrote the blog, and why shared my entries on Facebook? It was a great question and one I spent a few days weighing and thinking about. At the end of my reflection I had several answers, but the foundational answer was that I was being obedient, doing that which He encouraged me to do. Now there has been wrong attitude in my heart at times, but the basic reason is obedience.
As I was thinking about this topic, He would continue to ask more questions, each probing a little deeper into my heart and motivation. He uncovered some spiritual pride, some judgment, some un-Jesus like heart conditions. In each case I was able to seek forgiveness and repent (change the way I was thinking). At the end of that time of reflection, I felt like He said it was ok to continue to share, but that I needed to be careful to guard my heart. There was no chastisement, just gentle probing questions with the opportunity to repent. Thank You Lord for being so gentle and loving toward me.
So for me these verses from Paul encourage me in a few ways:
1) I have been entrusted with much, so I must prove faithful with what I have received (See Luke 19:11-ff).
2) I need to keep my heart and conscience pure, and should monitor this regularly to evaluate my own heart motives, with His guidance.
3) I must be careful not to judge anyone else, for I do not know the motives of other's hearts.
4) I must continue to look to Him for His guidance and direction, not trusting my own heart to guide me.
5) I need to recognize that all comes from Him.
I was just reminded of a couple of verses:
1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV: "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"
Luke 17:7-10 NIV:
[7] “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? [8] Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? [9] Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? [10] So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' ”
Thank You Lord, again, for Your gentle direction, corrections and guidance. I pray that You will help me to faithfully represent You, to continue to share the Gospel and to be a servant You can trust doing what he has been asked to do.
Amen
Friday, March 18, 2016
Things of Greater Importance
This morning I was thinking about the promise of the Messiah, how man thought it would look, in contrast to how God fulfilled His word. As an example here are a few verses from Jeremiah, written to the Jews who had been carried into captivity in Babylon.
Jeremiah 30:8-10 NIV:
[8] “ 'In that day,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them.
[9] Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
[10] “ 'So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,' declares the Lord.
'I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid."
The Jews had several times where they were under foreign oppression, and I think that verses like these were what they held onto for hope, and as a promise of a Messiah. In these verses, Jeremiah points to David their king - not literally but as promised to David, one from His family. God will break off the yoke, and tear off their bonds of slavery, and restore them. Read carefully it is God who will do these things, not the Messiah, but read together it creates a thought of what God's intervention will look like - a restoration of nation, free from any foreign enslavement or occupation, a King restored, and God's blessings. It is no wonder the Jews thought, during Jesus' time, that the Messiah would throw off the Roman oppression and reestablish the Kingdom.
The thought that grabbed my attention this morning, was that the Jews were concerned about the temporal situation, their land, their fortune, their government, their political and religious freedom. These are all good, and God cares about them, but His bigger concern was their spiritual situation and their relationship with and understanding of God the Father, those were the things the Lord focused on most. He did proclaim the Kingdom of God, but the effective demonstrations were not against the Roman rule, but instead setting them free from the bonds of sin, sickness, demons and death. My thought was that in God's eyes these were far more important than the oppression of Roman rule.
John wrote the following concerning the reason Jesus came to earth, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (1 John 3:8b) The author of the Letter to the Hebrews said this about Jesus, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (Heb 1:3). Jesus said the following about Himself, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt 9:12-13). Jesus also said this, "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." (John 3:16)
I could quote hundreds of other verses all pointing to the same basic themes, that Jesus came to set us free, not necessarily from oppressive political regimes, or foreign oppression, but rather from that which is far more important, sin and death. He came to give us eternal life, not possessions and wealth. He is a good Lord and He knows we need those things (See Matt 6:25-34) but His greater concern is our eternal salvation, and freedom from the lies and deception of the enemy and all his works. The Lord desires relationship with us, and has opened the way to the Father, and made Him known to us. Jesus prayed these words, as some of the last words before His death - John 17:1-8 NIV:
[1] "After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. [2] For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. [3] Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. [4] I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
[6] “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. [7] Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. [8] For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me."
Amen!
So this morning I am encouraged to see things from God's perspective, to put proper priority on things. While our temporal situation is important, elections and political power changes and such, of far more importance to God are the continued struggles against sin, sickness, the works of the enemy and our salvation and relationship with Him. I am choosing to advance those things that are important to Him, rather than worry about those temporal things. As Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt 6:33 NIV).
Jeremiah 30:8-10 NIV:
[8] “ 'In that day,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them.
[9] Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
[10] “ 'So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,' declares the Lord.
'I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid."
The Jews had several times where they were under foreign oppression, and I think that verses like these were what they held onto for hope, and as a promise of a Messiah. In these verses, Jeremiah points to David their king - not literally but as promised to David, one from His family. God will break off the yoke, and tear off their bonds of slavery, and restore them. Read carefully it is God who will do these things, not the Messiah, but read together it creates a thought of what God's intervention will look like - a restoration of nation, free from any foreign enslavement or occupation, a King restored, and God's blessings. It is no wonder the Jews thought, during Jesus' time, that the Messiah would throw off the Roman oppression and reestablish the Kingdom.
The thought that grabbed my attention this morning, was that the Jews were concerned about the temporal situation, their land, their fortune, their government, their political and religious freedom. These are all good, and God cares about them, but His bigger concern was their spiritual situation and their relationship with and understanding of God the Father, those were the things the Lord focused on most. He did proclaim the Kingdom of God, but the effective demonstrations were not against the Roman rule, but instead setting them free from the bonds of sin, sickness, demons and death. My thought was that in God's eyes these were far more important than the oppression of Roman rule.
John wrote the following concerning the reason Jesus came to earth, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (1 John 3:8b) The author of the Letter to the Hebrews said this about Jesus, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (Heb 1:3). Jesus said the following about Himself, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt 9:12-13). Jesus also said this, "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." (John 3:16)
I could quote hundreds of other verses all pointing to the same basic themes, that Jesus came to set us free, not necessarily from oppressive political regimes, or foreign oppression, but rather from that which is far more important, sin and death. He came to give us eternal life, not possessions and wealth. He is a good Lord and He knows we need those things (See Matt 6:25-34) but His greater concern is our eternal salvation, and freedom from the lies and deception of the enemy and all his works. The Lord desires relationship with us, and has opened the way to the Father, and made Him known to us. Jesus prayed these words, as some of the last words before His death - John 17:1-8 NIV:
[1] "After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. [2] For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. [3] Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. [4] I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
[6] “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. [7] Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. [8] For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me."
Amen!
So this morning I am encouraged to see things from God's perspective, to put proper priority on things. While our temporal situation is important, elections and political power changes and such, of far more importance to God are the continued struggles against sin, sickness, the works of the enemy and our salvation and relationship with Him. I am choosing to advance those things that are important to Him, rather than worry about those temporal things. As Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt 6:33 NIV).
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Choosing Our Perspective and Peace
This morning I was praying a bit about my future, as we have some changes coming our way. I am actually quite peaceful about it all, and apparently as a confirmation of my thinking, I felt the Lord direct me to the following verses - 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."
I was particularly grabbed by verse 6 - "Do not be anxious about anything". I am not a worrier, nor do I suffer from anxiety, but there is always a bit of fear of the unknown when transition occurs. As I look to the future, I have the opportunity to choose how I respond, and how I approach the unknowns, and I think this is partly what Paul is addressing in these verses. He says the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and I think that is so important to know, for that is where the battle of faith and belief is waged. Our minds are prone to unbelief, and our hearts can fade in affection if times become difficult.
Paul is calling us to put our minds into Christ's care, to begin to think like God thinks, to begin to see our situation from His perspective. As we do that, we will begin to experience His peace. This is the kind of peace that is only available to the one who has all power and all authority, controls everything and knows everything, and is outside of time, namely God. From His vantage point, there are no surprises, no mistakes, no problems or situations that are unsolvable, no defeat, no situation beyond His reach or power. As we allow this mindset, His thinking and perspective, to invade our little and limited minds, we will experience His peace, which we can't truly know, or which "transcends understanding". In that place, the enemy is unable to assail us with seeds of unbelief, fear or anxiety. Those things do not exist in God, and thus cannot be from God.
One of the first things we should learn to do (and I am telling myself this) is to reject anxious, fearful or thoughts of unbelief for they are from the enemy. James writes later that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7) and I know this is true. Our resisting the devil takes away any authority or right we might otherwise give him. It is our agreement with him that allows him to stay and affect us. Jesus has already defeated him (1 John 3:8), and any victory the enemy experiences in our lives is due to our aligning ourselves with him, even if that is unintentional. Since Christ has purchased us with His blood (Rev 5:9), and redeemed us, the enemy has no right to us. Our intentional turning ourselves to God, reminding ourselves of all the good God has done, of His immense blessings and of the incredible gift of grace, is resisting the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Choosing to rejoice in all circumstances is choosing to believe God's promises and perspective over our own thoughts and limited perspective.
Paul continues on and says then we should fill our minds with "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy". It is not enough to just constantly resist the enemy's lies and deceptions, but we want to backfill those areas that are prone to his attacks with goodness and truth. If our minds are full, and constantly reminded of God's goodness it is really hard for someone to convince us that God is otherwise. If we keep a long list of God's blessings, and are daily reminded of His grace and mercy, the enemy has nothing to grab hold of to convince us God is unloving, unmerciful, distracted or indifferent towards us.
I was just thinking that creating a personal litany (list) of all God's blessings, and interactions in our lives would be very helpful. I am reminded of some on the times in scripture where God's blessings and provisions were recounted, and I know that I need the same type of encouragement to remember. I am reminded of God's promises to His people in Jeremiah 29:11 NIV: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So let us entrust ourselves to this God who loves us, who has purchased us with His own blood, who has given us His Holy Spirit, and grace as a down-payment, a guarantee of what is to come! Let us not lose faith, or grow weak in our belief, but let us recount God's great blessings in our lives. Let us guard our hearts and minds with His peace, as we learn to see things from His perspective.
Amen!
[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."
I was particularly grabbed by verse 6 - "Do not be anxious about anything". I am not a worrier, nor do I suffer from anxiety, but there is always a bit of fear of the unknown when transition occurs. As I look to the future, I have the opportunity to choose how I respond, and how I approach the unknowns, and I think this is partly what Paul is addressing in these verses. He says the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and I think that is so important to know, for that is where the battle of faith and belief is waged. Our minds are prone to unbelief, and our hearts can fade in affection if times become difficult.
Paul is calling us to put our minds into Christ's care, to begin to think like God thinks, to begin to see our situation from His perspective. As we do that, we will begin to experience His peace. This is the kind of peace that is only available to the one who has all power and all authority, controls everything and knows everything, and is outside of time, namely God. From His vantage point, there are no surprises, no mistakes, no problems or situations that are unsolvable, no defeat, no situation beyond His reach or power. As we allow this mindset, His thinking and perspective, to invade our little and limited minds, we will experience His peace, which we can't truly know, or which "transcends understanding". In that place, the enemy is unable to assail us with seeds of unbelief, fear or anxiety. Those things do not exist in God, and thus cannot be from God.
One of the first things we should learn to do (and I am telling myself this) is to reject anxious, fearful or thoughts of unbelief for they are from the enemy. James writes later that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7) and I know this is true. Our resisting the devil takes away any authority or right we might otherwise give him. It is our agreement with him that allows him to stay and affect us. Jesus has already defeated him (1 John 3:8), and any victory the enemy experiences in our lives is due to our aligning ourselves with him, even if that is unintentional. Since Christ has purchased us with His blood (Rev 5:9), and redeemed us, the enemy has no right to us. Our intentional turning ourselves to God, reminding ourselves of all the good God has done, of His immense blessings and of the incredible gift of grace, is resisting the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Choosing to rejoice in all circumstances is choosing to believe God's promises and perspective over our own thoughts and limited perspective.
Paul continues on and says then we should fill our minds with "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy". It is not enough to just constantly resist the enemy's lies and deceptions, but we want to backfill those areas that are prone to his attacks with goodness and truth. If our minds are full, and constantly reminded of God's goodness it is really hard for someone to convince us that God is otherwise. If we keep a long list of God's blessings, and are daily reminded of His grace and mercy, the enemy has nothing to grab hold of to convince us God is unloving, unmerciful, distracted or indifferent towards us.
I was just thinking that creating a personal litany (list) of all God's blessings, and interactions in our lives would be very helpful. I am reminded of some on the times in scripture where God's blessings and provisions were recounted, and I know that I need the same type of encouragement to remember. I am reminded of God's promises to His people in Jeremiah 29:11 NIV: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So let us entrust ourselves to this God who loves us, who has purchased us with His own blood, who has given us His Holy Spirit, and grace as a down-payment, a guarantee of what is to come! Let us not lose faith, or grow weak in our belief, but let us recount God's great blessings in our lives. Let us guard our hearts and minds with His peace, as we learn to see things from His perspective.
Amen!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
"Grace is Glory Begun"
This morning I turned to the Psalms as I was in need of encouragement. I turned to one of my favorite Psalms and rested in these good verses for my heart - Psalm 84:2, 10-12 NIV:
[2] "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
[10] "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
[11] For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
[12] Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you."
I was just reflecting on these verses and letting my heart rest in the peace these words bring. I was reading Matthew Henry's commentary on verses 10-12 and was struck by his reflection on verse 11 (note: another translation has it as "the Lord gives grace and glory" NASB)
"The Lord will give grace and glory. Grace signifies both the good-will of God towards us and the good work of God in us; glory signifies both the honour which he now puts upon us, in giving us the adoption of sons, and that which he has prepared for us in the inheritance of sons. God will give them grace in this world as a preparation for glory, and glory in the other world as the perfection of grace; both are God's gift, his free gift. And as, on the one hand, wherever God gives grace he will give glory (for grace is glory begun, and is an earnest of it), so, on the other hand, he will give glory hereafter to none to whom he does not give grace now, or who receive his grace in vain. And if God will give grace and glory, which are the two great things that concur to make us happy in both worlds, we may be sure that no good thing will be withheld from those that walk uprightly."
I love the part where he says that "grace is glory begun, and is an earnest of it." We don't use the word earnest much, other than when buying houses, but the word means not just a pledge but a commitment with consequences in the modern use of it. Here is the definition of earnest (Webster's Dictionary):
1 : something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain (deal)
2 : a token of what is to come : pledge
So often we just focus on the free gift that grace is, that it is unmerited favor, and that is true, but it is more than that. It is the down payment, the pledge of eternal glory, as Henry correctly comments. We are told by Paul something similar in his letter 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV:
[21] "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
In this verse the seal of ownership (earnest) is His grace which He has freely given to each of us. The guarantee of what is to come is speaking of the eternal life and glory we will experience in Heaven. God's gift of grace, which is of inestimable value (for it was purchased with Jesus' life and blood) is just the down payment, the earnest, a token of what is to come. If this is just a glimpse or token of what is to come, how incredible and awesome must eternity be?
When we purchased our house we put down earnest money of less than 1% (still a considerable amount) as a pledge to the owners of our intent to purchase their house. If grace is an earnest, and it relates at all to the final value of eternal life and glory in a similar way as our earnest payment did to the value of our house, than our eternal destiny is beyond comprehension, or even expression. We don't really have words to describe the value of the grace we have received in Christ Jesus, although we try. How much less will we be able to describe or understand this side of eternity, the reality experienced there?
So this morning I am encouraged to not just quickly read over the words of this Psalm, thinking how nice it is to receive grace and glory. I am encouraged to weigh the real value of the incredible gift Christ Jesus has extended to us through grace! I can't wait to see what is to come!
Amen!
[2] "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
[10] "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
[11] For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
[12] Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you."
I was just reflecting on these verses and letting my heart rest in the peace these words bring. I was reading Matthew Henry's commentary on verses 10-12 and was struck by his reflection on verse 11 (note: another translation has it as "the Lord gives grace and glory" NASB)
"The Lord will give grace and glory. Grace signifies both the good-will of God towards us and the good work of God in us; glory signifies both the honour which he now puts upon us, in giving us the adoption of sons, and that which he has prepared for us in the inheritance of sons. God will give them grace in this world as a preparation for glory, and glory in the other world as the perfection of grace; both are God's gift, his free gift. And as, on the one hand, wherever God gives grace he will give glory (for grace is glory begun, and is an earnest of it), so, on the other hand, he will give glory hereafter to none to whom he does not give grace now, or who receive his grace in vain. And if God will give grace and glory, which are the two great things that concur to make us happy in both worlds, we may be sure that no good thing will be withheld from those that walk uprightly."
I love the part where he says that "grace is glory begun, and is an earnest of it." We don't use the word earnest much, other than when buying houses, but the word means not just a pledge but a commitment with consequences in the modern use of it. Here is the definition of earnest (Webster's Dictionary):
1 : something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain (deal)
2 : a token of what is to come : pledge
So often we just focus on the free gift that grace is, that it is unmerited favor, and that is true, but it is more than that. It is the down payment, the pledge of eternal glory, as Henry correctly comments. We are told by Paul something similar in his letter 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV:
[21] "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
In this verse the seal of ownership (earnest) is His grace which He has freely given to each of us. The guarantee of what is to come is speaking of the eternal life and glory we will experience in Heaven. God's gift of grace, which is of inestimable value (for it was purchased with Jesus' life and blood) is just the down payment, the earnest, a token of what is to come. If this is just a glimpse or token of what is to come, how incredible and awesome must eternity be?
When we purchased our house we put down earnest money of less than 1% (still a considerable amount) as a pledge to the owners of our intent to purchase their house. If grace is an earnest, and it relates at all to the final value of eternal life and glory in a similar way as our earnest payment did to the value of our house, than our eternal destiny is beyond comprehension, or even expression. We don't really have words to describe the value of the grace we have received in Christ Jesus, although we try. How much less will we be able to describe or understand this side of eternity, the reality experienced there?
So this morning I am encouraged to not just quickly read over the words of this Psalm, thinking how nice it is to receive grace and glory. I am encouraged to weigh the real value of the incredible gift Christ Jesus has extended to us through grace! I can't wait to see what is to come!
Amen!
Monday, March 14, 2016
The Motivation of Our Work and Labor For God
This morning I felt like I should read from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. In my effort to listen and be guided by the Lord, I usually ask Him where I should read form Scripture, and try to listen. As I have written before, I believe the Lord wants to engage me in conversation, and direct my thoughts and give me understanding. For Him to be able to do that there must be interaction, and communication. For me the simplest way seem to be to use His validated written word as the foundation and starting point for conversation. Thus, I ask Him to speak to me and direct me within His word to verses that become the basis of our conversation. I have found that the Lord desires to speak, and when He does speak, He uses several approaches. I will empty my mind of thought and wait for Him to speak to me there, often times I will hear a particular Book, chapter and verse (Within the Bible), other times I will hear numbers which can be verses or page numbers. Sometimes He will bring to mind a specific story from Scripture, or even a theme for me to research. The point of this all is that I learn to hear His voice and understand what it sounds like, and I learn to give Him proper Lordship in my life. So this morning I heard the number 997 and when I turned to page 997, this was 1 Thes. 1 & 2.
Now I am not convinced in my ability to hear perfectly, so sometimes I think I hear something and when I turn there, there is nothing that stirs my heart and soul. I believe God directs me to the specific verses He wants me to focus on by causing me to respond in my spirit. Often times certain words or a part of sentence will stand out to me and I will start to think about related ideas and begin to focus my thoughts. That is usually a very good indication that this is where the Lord wants me to speak to me. Anyway on those days or times when nothing resonates, I just continue to press into Him, asking for another verse or for Him to speak again.
This morning when I started reading page 997, the following verses caught my eye - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 NIV:
[2] "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. [3] We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
[4] For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."
The particulars of what caught my eye this morning was Paul's comments about work and labor. I have spent much time lately thinking about works versus grace, and this particular set of verses fits into that theme. Paul identifies the proper motivation for works in our lives, namely faith and love. Faith is the precursor of grace, and love is the result of relationship. Paul, as he continues to write, makes it clear that they had already received the Gospel, and responded to it. They were in the Kingdom, as a part of the Body of Christ already. They were not working and laboring to earn their way into the Kingdom, nor were they trying to gain God's favor or earn righteousness. They were responding to God's grace and love, in kind. They had real hope in Jesus because they had a real relationship with Him. They understood the Gospel of grace and the Lord's desire for relationship.
As in any healthy relationship, we interact and respond to the one another. When my wife gives me a great present (whether large or small), I am stirred to respond to her, not because it is my duty but because my heart is filled with gratitude, and love. I desire to bring her joy in the same way she has brought me joy. I begin to think about those things that I could do, or purchase for her, that will bless her and let her know how much I love her and appreciate her in my life. This is not a requirement, nor is it an expectation, but rather a spontaneous response. My repsonse is motivated by love, within our relaitonship.
There are friends of my wife who see the gifts that I give her and commend our love for one another. In the same way, I believe Paul is commending the Thessalonians for their proper response to the Lord for the gifts He has given them. Paul lived and worked to spread the Gospel of Grace, not works, so we know he was not encouraging works or labor as some sort of duty or requirement to gain righteousness. In His letter to the Galatians, Paul said the following - "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”(Gal 2:21NIV).
Secondly, I am struck by the fact that God's choice of them was evident because of the way the gospel came to them, "in power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction." I am reminded of the fact that the Gospel does elicit response. The fact that God loves you, has called You and pursued you should stir your spirit and soul. Our proclamation of the Gospel is meant to be accompanied by the moving and stirring of the Holy Spirit. We can be confident in our Gospel proclamation, knowing that as much as we want the people to hear and understand God's love for them, He wants this even more. He is at work in all of their lives, stirring them and calling them to Him, even before they ever hear the Gospel. Sometimes the fruit is immediately evident, other times the seed has been planted and the response will arise at a later date, but we can be confident the Holy Spirit is at work.
So this morning I am encouraged to press into the Lord, to experience His love and affection, His mercy and grace. I am encouraged by the stirring in my heart, soul and spirit as I hear of the Lord's love and affection for me. Finally, I am encouraged in my sharing of these truths with others, knowing that the Holy Spirit is already at work in their lives, for He has chosen them as well.
Amen!
Now I am not convinced in my ability to hear perfectly, so sometimes I think I hear something and when I turn there, there is nothing that stirs my heart and soul. I believe God directs me to the specific verses He wants me to focus on by causing me to respond in my spirit. Often times certain words or a part of sentence will stand out to me and I will start to think about related ideas and begin to focus my thoughts. That is usually a very good indication that this is where the Lord wants me to speak to me. Anyway on those days or times when nothing resonates, I just continue to press into Him, asking for another verse or for Him to speak again.
This morning when I started reading page 997, the following verses caught my eye - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 NIV:
[2] "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. [3] We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
[4] For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."
The particulars of what caught my eye this morning was Paul's comments about work and labor. I have spent much time lately thinking about works versus grace, and this particular set of verses fits into that theme. Paul identifies the proper motivation for works in our lives, namely faith and love. Faith is the precursor of grace, and love is the result of relationship. Paul, as he continues to write, makes it clear that they had already received the Gospel, and responded to it. They were in the Kingdom, as a part of the Body of Christ already. They were not working and laboring to earn their way into the Kingdom, nor were they trying to gain God's favor or earn righteousness. They were responding to God's grace and love, in kind. They had real hope in Jesus because they had a real relationship with Him. They understood the Gospel of grace and the Lord's desire for relationship.
As in any healthy relationship, we interact and respond to the one another. When my wife gives me a great present (whether large or small), I am stirred to respond to her, not because it is my duty but because my heart is filled with gratitude, and love. I desire to bring her joy in the same way she has brought me joy. I begin to think about those things that I could do, or purchase for her, that will bless her and let her know how much I love her and appreciate her in my life. This is not a requirement, nor is it an expectation, but rather a spontaneous response. My repsonse is motivated by love, within our relaitonship.
There are friends of my wife who see the gifts that I give her and commend our love for one another. In the same way, I believe Paul is commending the Thessalonians for their proper response to the Lord for the gifts He has given them. Paul lived and worked to spread the Gospel of Grace, not works, so we know he was not encouraging works or labor as some sort of duty or requirement to gain righteousness. In His letter to the Galatians, Paul said the following - "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”(Gal 2:21NIV).
Secondly, I am struck by the fact that God's choice of them was evident because of the way the gospel came to them, "in power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction." I am reminded of the fact that the Gospel does elicit response. The fact that God loves you, has called You and pursued you should stir your spirit and soul. Our proclamation of the Gospel is meant to be accompanied by the moving and stirring of the Holy Spirit. We can be confident in our Gospel proclamation, knowing that as much as we want the people to hear and understand God's love for them, He wants this even more. He is at work in all of their lives, stirring them and calling them to Him, even before they ever hear the Gospel. Sometimes the fruit is immediately evident, other times the seed has been planted and the response will arise at a later date, but we can be confident the Holy Spirit is at work.
So this morning I am encouraged to press into the Lord, to experience His love and affection, His mercy and grace. I am encouraged by the stirring in my heart, soul and spirit as I hear of the Lord's love and affection for me. Finally, I am encouraged in my sharing of these truths with others, knowing that the Holy Spirit is already at work in their lives, for He has chosen them as well.
Amen!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
He Came to Save Not to Judge
This morning I was continuing my reading of John's Gospel, and ran across these verses where Jesus is speaking about judgement, and where He says every word He spoke was directed by the Father - John 12:44-50 NIV:
[44] Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. [45] The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. [46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
[47] “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. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
Both of the major themes in these few verses are so important. First Jesus says very clearly that He is representing the Father. If we see Him, we see the Father who sent Him. His words, His actions, His heart for the lost, downtrodden and sinners all represent the same in the Father. He continues on in verse 49, "For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken." This is why it is so important to study and meditate on the words Jesus spoke, for they came from the Father.
Secondly, Jesus addresses judgment. This is so important for the Church to understand, Jesus didn't come to judge the world, but to save the world! We are often so quick to take up a task that Jesus himself would not take up. He wasn't here to judge and condemn, which if we look at the verses above also means that this is exactly the approach the Father takes as well, for if we see Jesus, if we Hear His words, we are seeing and hearing the Father. This is the Father's heart, not to judge but to save!
It is interesting in this context that Jesus actually makes these two approaches opposites (at least in a literary form). I am saddened that so many experience the church, the Body of Christ, as judgmental, for this is clearly not the Father's heart. Our purpose and words should be focused on salvation not on judgment, just as Jesus' were.
Lord, please help us to correctly represent You, Your words and Your heart to all we meet.
Amen!
[44] Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. [45] The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. [46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
[47] “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. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
Both of the major themes in these few verses are so important. First Jesus says very clearly that He is representing the Father. If we see Him, we see the Father who sent Him. His words, His actions, His heart for the lost, downtrodden and sinners all represent the same in the Father. He continues on in verse 49, "For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken." This is why it is so important to study and meditate on the words Jesus spoke, for they came from the Father.
Secondly, Jesus addresses judgment. This is so important for the Church to understand, Jesus didn't come to judge the world, but to save the world! We are often so quick to take up a task that Jesus himself would not take up. He wasn't here to judge and condemn, which if we look at the verses above also means that this is exactly the approach the Father takes as well, for if we see Jesus, if we Hear His words, we are seeing and hearing the Father. This is the Father's heart, not to judge but to save!
It is interesting in this context that Jesus actually makes these two approaches opposites (at least in a literary form). I am saddened that so many experience the church, the Body of Christ, as judgmental, for this is clearly not the Father's heart. Our purpose and words should be focused on salvation not on judgment, just as Jesus' were.
Lord, please help us to correctly represent You, Your words and Your heart to all we meet.
Amen!
Friday, March 11, 2016
One Shepherd, One Flock, One Voice
This morning I am continuing to mine John's tenth chapter. Man, there is so much good in this one chapter. The verses I am reflecting on are the following - John 10:14-16 NIV:
[14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
Recently I was talking to friends about how the Lord directed me out of the Catholic Church, and this verse and the mindset of Christ were significant in that process. At the time I didn't have a fuller appreciation for the rest of the Body of Christ, and as a born-again, Spirit-filled Catholic, I thought I was experiencing the fullness of everything possible in Christ. I knew plenty of Christians from other denominations, but I always thought I was experiencing more than the rest and our expression was the fullest, most true expression of the Church.
When I felt like the Lord was moving us toward something different, I had some serious discussions with Him, explaining why this couldn't be right. I think it is quite funny in retrospect when I look back at times I thought I knew better than God. I am sure the Lord gets a kick out of it too. :-) Anyway so I was explaining to the Lord how He couldn't possibly want me to experience a lesser expression of His Body, when He politely interrupted me and asked me how I thought He saw the Body of Christ, the Church? This is one of the verses (verse 16 above) that ran through my mind, along with 1 Cor 12, and Paul's analogy of the Body. I had to answer that it was pretty clear that there was only one Body of Christ, one flock and thus one Church. The denominations were just parts of the one body. He went on to explain that I was putting lines of separation where He saw none and I needed to adjust my view to His. I wasn't leaving the Body of Christ or the Church, I was just moving within the Church to another part.
To be clear the two sheep pens Jesus is talking about were the Jews and the Gentiles, not the Catholics or Protestants, Pentecostals, Baptists or anyone else that think they are the true church (not trying to be mean here) and everyone else. At the time, Jesus has stated clearly that He was sent to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt 15:24), and even though He did miracles for and ministered to others who were not Jewish, His focus, and His directions to the Apostles were to the Jews (Matt 10:6). We understand this even more through the Book of Acts, where Peter had to be supernaturally directed to minister to Gentiles, and was then called on the carpet for doing so by the rest of the Apostles (Acts 10 & 11). Clearly they hadn't fully grasped what Jesus meant when He issued the great commission - Matthew 28:19 NIV: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"... They did go to other nations, but were primarily if not wholly focused on spreading the Good News to the Jews that were in those Nations. Clearly, as revealed by God through Peter, He intended all nations to mean "All" nations including the Gentiles. So unless we have active Jewish heritage (I think that is what this means), we are part of the other sheep pen or the other nations.
So back to the verses, Jesus makes it very clear, "one flock and one shepherd" (Him). We are all part of the same flock!
The other part I really like here is that Jesus describes the relationship of knowing between the sheep and the shepherd, as just like He and the Father. Wow! Think of that as a relational comparison - we and Jesus can be like Jesus and the Father. Everything Jesus did and said was at the direction of the Father, and that same dynamic is available to us. That is just mind-blowing to me.
Additionally, He says we will listen to His voice - which means we can each discern His voice, know it and understand it. Some, through practice, have gotten better at hearing His voice, or maybe I should say better at listening to His voice, but all of His sheep can hear His voice and listen to it.
I was just thinking that listening is one of those things that you can practice at and get better. Not everyone is a good listener, and usually that is the result of a choice we make about what we give our attention to and focus on. With the proclivity of smart phones, we have the opportunity to become worse and worse at active listening and real conversations.
We can, however, choose to grow in our ability to listen to the Lord (Our Shepherd) as well. There are very few people that I know of, or that I know, that have a well developed ability to hear God and discern His voice right away. For almost everyone I have ever talked to, listening to God is something they learn, and choose to do. Almost every morning I spend time practicing my listening, learning to turn my attention to God, away from the distractions of the day, away from the news, Facebook or anything else that might distract me. I practice listening to His voice, following the thought lines He leads me down, thinking about the verses He leads me to read. There are times of enlightenment, and other times of just practicing. Sometimes I fall asleep, and those times I remember the enjoyment I used to get when one of my kids used to fall asleep while on my lap. Overall, I guess the point is that God has made us all able to listen to His voice and receive His direction and guidance, and that is a really good thing!
In summary, we are one flock, we have one shepherd, and we listen to His one voice!
Amen!
[14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
Recently I was talking to friends about how the Lord directed me out of the Catholic Church, and this verse and the mindset of Christ were significant in that process. At the time I didn't have a fuller appreciation for the rest of the Body of Christ, and as a born-again, Spirit-filled Catholic, I thought I was experiencing the fullness of everything possible in Christ. I knew plenty of Christians from other denominations, but I always thought I was experiencing more than the rest and our expression was the fullest, most true expression of the Church.
When I felt like the Lord was moving us toward something different, I had some serious discussions with Him, explaining why this couldn't be right. I think it is quite funny in retrospect when I look back at times I thought I knew better than God. I am sure the Lord gets a kick out of it too. :-) Anyway so I was explaining to the Lord how He couldn't possibly want me to experience a lesser expression of His Body, when He politely interrupted me and asked me how I thought He saw the Body of Christ, the Church? This is one of the verses (verse 16 above) that ran through my mind, along with 1 Cor 12, and Paul's analogy of the Body. I had to answer that it was pretty clear that there was only one Body of Christ, one flock and thus one Church. The denominations were just parts of the one body. He went on to explain that I was putting lines of separation where He saw none and I needed to adjust my view to His. I wasn't leaving the Body of Christ or the Church, I was just moving within the Church to another part.
To be clear the two sheep pens Jesus is talking about were the Jews and the Gentiles, not the Catholics or Protestants, Pentecostals, Baptists or anyone else that think they are the true church (not trying to be mean here) and everyone else. At the time, Jesus has stated clearly that He was sent to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt 15:24), and even though He did miracles for and ministered to others who were not Jewish, His focus, and His directions to the Apostles were to the Jews (Matt 10:6). We understand this even more through the Book of Acts, where Peter had to be supernaturally directed to minister to Gentiles, and was then called on the carpet for doing so by the rest of the Apostles (Acts 10 & 11). Clearly they hadn't fully grasped what Jesus meant when He issued the great commission - Matthew 28:19 NIV: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"... They did go to other nations, but were primarily if not wholly focused on spreading the Good News to the Jews that were in those Nations. Clearly, as revealed by God through Peter, He intended all nations to mean "All" nations including the Gentiles. So unless we have active Jewish heritage (I think that is what this means), we are part of the other sheep pen or the other nations.
So back to the verses, Jesus makes it very clear, "one flock and one shepherd" (Him). We are all part of the same flock!
The other part I really like here is that Jesus describes the relationship of knowing between the sheep and the shepherd, as just like He and the Father. Wow! Think of that as a relational comparison - we and Jesus can be like Jesus and the Father. Everything Jesus did and said was at the direction of the Father, and that same dynamic is available to us. That is just mind-blowing to me.
Additionally, He says we will listen to His voice - which means we can each discern His voice, know it and understand it. Some, through practice, have gotten better at hearing His voice, or maybe I should say better at listening to His voice, but all of His sheep can hear His voice and listen to it.
I was just thinking that listening is one of those things that you can practice at and get better. Not everyone is a good listener, and usually that is the result of a choice we make about what we give our attention to and focus on. With the proclivity of smart phones, we have the opportunity to become worse and worse at active listening and real conversations.
We can, however, choose to grow in our ability to listen to the Lord (Our Shepherd) as well. There are very few people that I know of, or that I know, that have a well developed ability to hear God and discern His voice right away. For almost everyone I have ever talked to, listening to God is something they learn, and choose to do. Almost every morning I spend time practicing my listening, learning to turn my attention to God, away from the distractions of the day, away from the news, Facebook or anything else that might distract me. I practice listening to His voice, following the thought lines He leads me down, thinking about the verses He leads me to read. There are times of enlightenment, and other times of just practicing. Sometimes I fall asleep, and those times I remember the enjoyment I used to get when one of my kids used to fall asleep while on my lap. Overall, I guess the point is that God has made us all able to listen to His voice and receive His direction and guidance, and that is a really good thing!
In summary, we are one flock, we have one shepherd, and we listen to His one voice!
Amen!
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Problems With Expectations
This morning I was continuing to reflect on John's Gospel, tenth chapter. So often when I imagine Jesus, I imagine an excited crowd listening to His teaching, being amazed at the miracles and such. Jesus was here to represent His Father, and He did amazing things. What I find interesting is the people's inability to grasp who He really was, the very son of God. When read these passages it is always with knowledge of the truth already established in our hearts and minds, so the statements He makes do not sound so radical. However, the people of His time had no grid of reference to really grasp what He was saying. They had been waiting for hundreds of years for the Messiah, the Savior, the Anointed one prophesied to sit on David's throne. They had it in their mind that He would come as a King, a military ruler who would throw off the oppressive chains of Roman Rule, and re-establish God's Glorious Kingdom in the form of a nation (as they were under David) once again. They had no idea that the Messiah would actually be God's Son.
In the light of this, read the following verses - John 10:24-31 NIV:
[24] "The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
[25] Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, [26] but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. [27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”
[31] Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,"...
Jesus' closing statement, "I and the Father are one" was almost earth shattering to the Jews. As a religion they highly esteemed God, not even wanting to say His name because of their awe and reverence of Him. They had tons of stories about God's miraculous intervention in the lives of their ancestors. They were afraid of God and in awe of His power. He was the Great God, capable of defeating great armies, and so much greater than all the gods of the Egyptians, Greeks and even the Romans. They weren't sure what He was really lilke, but they were also sure He was nothing like themselves.
Then Jesus shows up and does things that have only been done by the great Prophets, and even greater still. They were amazed at the works He was doing, but He wasn't confronting the Romans, wasn't trying to build political power or anything that would indicate He was the going to establish God's Kingdom on earth once again. He spoke about the Kingdom all the time, but rather than raise up political activists and supporters, He healed the sick and blessed the poor. He did what He could to stay out of the political arena, spending much of his time in Galilee, which was the back-country. Regardless of where He was he ha d a huge following and many of the people thought He was the Messiah.
Thus, the question that the Jews asked Him was very much on their minds. They were effectively waiting for Jesus to announce that He was the Messiah and they would jump in behind Him and overthrow the Roman's or something like that. They were expecting a leader, instead the got the Son of God, fully man and fully God. The response to pick up stones was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy under the Law (Lev. 24:14). Rather than sit down and understand what He was saying they immediately jumped to outrage. I think they were likely more upset that He wasn't the type of Messiah they wanted, so they figured they would kill Him and wait for one more suitable to come along. Wow.
This morning I am encouraged to listen closely to the Lord and let Him tell me who He is, rather than me jumping to conclusions, or judgment. He is exactly who He says He is, the very Son of God, one with the Father. I am also encouraged to not jump to conclusions about His plans in my life. I realize that having preconceived expectations of how God might look, act or direct me, can cause me to miss what He is actually saying.
Amen.
In the light of this, read the following verses - John 10:24-31 NIV:
[24] "The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
[25] Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, [26] but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. [27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”
[31] Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,"...
Jesus' closing statement, "I and the Father are one" was almost earth shattering to the Jews. As a religion they highly esteemed God, not even wanting to say His name because of their awe and reverence of Him. They had tons of stories about God's miraculous intervention in the lives of their ancestors. They were afraid of God and in awe of His power. He was the Great God, capable of defeating great armies, and so much greater than all the gods of the Egyptians, Greeks and even the Romans. They weren't sure what He was really lilke, but they were also sure He was nothing like themselves.
Then Jesus shows up and does things that have only been done by the great Prophets, and even greater still. They were amazed at the works He was doing, but He wasn't confronting the Romans, wasn't trying to build political power or anything that would indicate He was the going to establish God's Kingdom on earth once again. He spoke about the Kingdom all the time, but rather than raise up political activists and supporters, He healed the sick and blessed the poor. He did what He could to stay out of the political arena, spending much of his time in Galilee, which was the back-country. Regardless of where He was he ha d a huge following and many of the people thought He was the Messiah.
Thus, the question that the Jews asked Him was very much on their minds. They were effectively waiting for Jesus to announce that He was the Messiah and they would jump in behind Him and overthrow the Roman's or something like that. They were expecting a leader, instead the got the Son of God, fully man and fully God. The response to pick up stones was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy under the Law (Lev. 24:14). Rather than sit down and understand what He was saying they immediately jumped to outrage. I think they were likely more upset that He wasn't the type of Messiah they wanted, so they figured they would kill Him and wait for one more suitable to come along. Wow.
This morning I am encouraged to listen closely to the Lord and let Him tell me who He is, rather than me jumping to conclusions, or judgment. He is exactly who He says He is, the very Son of God, one with the Father. I am also encouraged to not jump to conclusions about His plans in my life. I realize that having preconceived expectations of how God might look, act or direct me, can cause me to miss what He is actually saying.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Listen, Follow, Be Known
This morning I am continuing my reading out of John's Gospel. These next few verses definitely fill me with hope.
John 10:27-30 NIV:
[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”
If I ever doubt Christ's ability to save, these verses should settle my heart and mind.
Looking closely at what Jesus says, as sheep we are supposed to listen and follow Him. It is more than hearing, more than just listening, but actual following. I know there are many times in my life I hear His voice, but I don't take action and thus I am not following. I am reminded of people who have selective hearing (I am guilty of this as well) who only respond when they choose to hear. I am reminded of times I used to lay on the couch reading and my Mom would be asking me something, and I would just ignore her. I heard her voice but I never let it register and never got up off the couch. I knew her voice, but I didn't listen really and I certainly didn't follow her directives. (Sorry Mom).
I believe that Jesus is identifying the characteristics of those who will receive eternal life - those who listen and follow. To follow someone means to do what they are doing. We learned the game follow the leader as little children, and it really isn't any different as adults. If we say we are followers of Christ, then we should be doing what He is doing, He is the leader and we are His followers.
In addition, Jesus says that He knows them. The Greek word that is used here, as recorded by John is ginosko and it is defined as:
1) to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
a) to become known
2) to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
a) to understand
b) to know
3) Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4) to become acquainted with, to know
We are not talking casual knowledge here, like just knowing someone's name. We are talking about a knowledge of what they think, feel, say and do. Jesus desires to know us in this way, and to be known in this way. The only way that In know to get to know someone else is through spending time with them. I can read what they wrote, listen to what they have said, and observe their actions, but there is nothing like spending time with them in conversation. the whole of that is how I define my prayer times.
So today, I am encouraged to listen AND follow, and to spend more and more time with You! I want to be identified as one of Your followers.
Amen!
John 10:27-30 NIV:
[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”
If I ever doubt Christ's ability to save, these verses should settle my heart and mind.
Looking closely at what Jesus says, as sheep we are supposed to listen and follow Him. It is more than hearing, more than just listening, but actual following. I know there are many times in my life I hear His voice, but I don't take action and thus I am not following. I am reminded of people who have selective hearing (I am guilty of this as well) who only respond when they choose to hear. I am reminded of times I used to lay on the couch reading and my Mom would be asking me something, and I would just ignore her. I heard her voice but I never let it register and never got up off the couch. I knew her voice, but I didn't listen really and I certainly didn't follow her directives. (Sorry Mom).
I believe that Jesus is identifying the characteristics of those who will receive eternal life - those who listen and follow. To follow someone means to do what they are doing. We learned the game follow the leader as little children, and it really isn't any different as adults. If we say we are followers of Christ, then we should be doing what He is doing, He is the leader and we are His followers.
In addition, Jesus says that He knows them. The Greek word that is used here, as recorded by John is ginosko and it is defined as:
1) to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
a) to become known
2) to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
a) to understand
b) to know
3) Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4) to become acquainted with, to know
We are not talking casual knowledge here, like just knowing someone's name. We are talking about a knowledge of what they think, feel, say and do. Jesus desires to know us in this way, and to be known in this way. The only way that In know to get to know someone else is through spending time with them. I can read what they wrote, listen to what they have said, and observe their actions, but there is nothing like spending time with them in conversation. the whole of that is how I define my prayer times.
So today, I am encouraged to listen AND follow, and to spend more and more time with You! I want to be identified as one of Your followers.
Amen!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Testifying to the Truth
This morning I am reading out of John's Gospel. I am thinking about Jesus statement about Himself found in the following verse - John 18:37 NIV:
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Jesus is in the final stages of His life and here He sums up His life concisely. He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. This is one of those statements that just needs to be unpacked, for it sounds simple, yet we know that Jesus' life was anything but simple.
I was just doing some research on the word truth, and it is used 102 times in the New Testament, and 42 of those times by John and is one of his key themes. In fact, the other Gospels hardly use the word, and in only in general descriptions of God's law or character. This idea of truth was expanded by Paul, as the majority of other uses in the New Testament are by him.
The Greek word translated truth is the word Aletheia, and is defined as follows:
1) what is true in any matter under consideration
a) truly, in truth, according to truth
b) of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly
2) what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth
a) in the greatest latitude
b) the true notions of God which are open to human reason without his supernatural intervention
3) the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians
Based on this definition, we understand that Jesus was likely speaking in the fullness of the word. He stated that He was the truth (John 14:6). He was revealing the truth of Heaven, for He came from there (John 6:51). He was calling us to embrace the truth, for it would set us free (John 8:32). He was representing the Father to us perfectly (Heb 1:3) and thus presenting us the Father truthfully. He called us to worship in truth (John 4:24). He calls us to represent the truth as His witnesses to the ends of the world (Acts 1:8).
In the original verse, Jesus said that He came to testify to the truth. The word translated testify is the Greek word Martureo, and it is defined as being a witness to something, bearing witness. It is also where the word martyr came from. Jesus was effectively bearing witness to the truth with His whole life. He has seen the Father, came from Heaven, and was now revealing (bearing witness) what he had seen and experienced. He was leading us all into this truth, and the truth would become the foundation of our faith (for He is the truth).
I was just thinking that there is a revelation of Truth, about Himself that He wants me to grasp this morning. I felt like I should read from John's tenth chapter. Here are some things Jesus says about Himself there - John 10:24-30, 34-38 NIV:
[24] The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
[25] Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works (miracles) I do in my Father's name testify about me, [26] but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. [27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”
[34] Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are “gods” ' ? [35] If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came---and Scripture cannot be set aside--- [36] what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? [37] Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. [38] But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works (miracles), that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
In my paper Bible, an earlier NIV translation, rather than works, the word miracles is used in the previous verses. The actual Greek word is Ergon, and it is defined as the work or employment one is about, and ones accomplishments. For Jesus this would have included healing the sick, feeding the masses, casting out demons, healing the blind, the deaf, the leprous and raising the dead. His works, the miracles, were the signs that pointed to His being from God the Father, and were representative of the Father. This is part of the Truth, part of the revelation, part of His witness. In fact, when you look closely at what Jesus says here, the works themselves are the condition upon which people were to believe. He says in verse 37 - "Do not believe me unless I do the works of the Father."
Wow, that is a challenging statement, especially if we were to apply it to today's churches. The truth must be witnessed to, and we are those by which the truth must be presented. If the main proof of the truth of Jesus ministry are the "works" than we should be pressing into the Father to see Him work through us in similar ways. If we truly represent the Father, than our works would be similar to Jesus' works, for we are just continuing His witness, His testimony of the Father's character and nature.
Amen Lord, draw us into Your truth, that we might be Your witnesses!
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Jesus is in the final stages of His life and here He sums up His life concisely. He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. This is one of those statements that just needs to be unpacked, for it sounds simple, yet we know that Jesus' life was anything but simple.
I was just doing some research on the word truth, and it is used 102 times in the New Testament, and 42 of those times by John and is one of his key themes. In fact, the other Gospels hardly use the word, and in only in general descriptions of God's law or character. This idea of truth was expanded by Paul, as the majority of other uses in the New Testament are by him.
The Greek word translated truth is the word Aletheia, and is defined as follows:
1) what is true in any matter under consideration
a) truly, in truth, according to truth
b) of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly
2) what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth
a) in the greatest latitude
b) the true notions of God which are open to human reason without his supernatural intervention
3) the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians
Based on this definition, we understand that Jesus was likely speaking in the fullness of the word. He stated that He was the truth (John 14:6). He was revealing the truth of Heaven, for He came from there (John 6:51). He was calling us to embrace the truth, for it would set us free (John 8:32). He was representing the Father to us perfectly (Heb 1:3) and thus presenting us the Father truthfully. He called us to worship in truth (John 4:24). He calls us to represent the truth as His witnesses to the ends of the world (Acts 1:8).
In the original verse, Jesus said that He came to testify to the truth. The word translated testify is the Greek word Martureo, and it is defined as being a witness to something, bearing witness. It is also where the word martyr came from. Jesus was effectively bearing witness to the truth with His whole life. He has seen the Father, came from Heaven, and was now revealing (bearing witness) what he had seen and experienced. He was leading us all into this truth, and the truth would become the foundation of our faith (for He is the truth).
I was just thinking that there is a revelation of Truth, about Himself that He wants me to grasp this morning. I felt like I should read from John's tenth chapter. Here are some things Jesus says about Himself there - John 10:24-30, 34-38 NIV:
[24] The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
[25] Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works (miracles) I do in my Father's name testify about me, [26] but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. [27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”
[34] Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are “gods” ' ? [35] If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came---and Scripture cannot be set aside--- [36] what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? [37] Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. [38] But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works (miracles), that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
In my paper Bible, an earlier NIV translation, rather than works, the word miracles is used in the previous verses. The actual Greek word is Ergon, and it is defined as the work or employment one is about, and ones accomplishments. For Jesus this would have included healing the sick, feeding the masses, casting out demons, healing the blind, the deaf, the leprous and raising the dead. His works, the miracles, were the signs that pointed to His being from God the Father, and were representative of the Father. This is part of the Truth, part of the revelation, part of His witness. In fact, when you look closely at what Jesus says here, the works themselves are the condition upon which people were to believe. He says in verse 37 - "Do not believe me unless I do the works of the Father."
Wow, that is a challenging statement, especially if we were to apply it to today's churches. The truth must be witnessed to, and we are those by which the truth must be presented. If the main proof of the truth of Jesus ministry are the "works" than we should be pressing into the Father to see Him work through us in similar ways. If we truly represent the Father, than our works would be similar to Jesus' works, for we are just continuing His witness, His testimony of the Father's character and nature.
Amen Lord, draw us into Your truth, that we might be Your witnesses!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Dealing With and Pressing Through Opposition
This morning I felt like I should read from the books of Nehemiah and Ezra, both of which have to do with the rebuilding of Jerusalem by the Jews. The part that seemed to be highlighted to me this morning was the resistance of opposition, and the resiliency of the Jews, and patience of God.
The books are from the same time frame and historians believe the book of Ezra is written first, which makes some sense, as He never speaks about the work being completed, while Nehemiah does. These books are basically the historical record of the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Jeremiah some 70+ years earlier (See Jer. 29), and they were political and religious perspectives, and the Book of Daniel was the prophetic perspective of the same basic events.
Anyway, the sections that I wanted to look at come from both books - Ezra 4 and Nehemiah 4.
Ezra 4:1-5, 24 NIV:
[1] "When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, [2] they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.”
[3] But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” [4] Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. [5] They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[24] Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia."
- and -
Nehemiah 4:1-2, 7-9, 13, 15-18 NIV:
[1] "When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, [2] and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble---burned as they are?”
[7] But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. [8] They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. [9] But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
[13] Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. [15] When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.
[16] From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah [17] who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, [18] and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me."
The reason these gained my attention this morning was that each is a record of opposition to rebuilding God's city, its protective wall and its temple. What I found interesting was that in Ezra the opposition was able to halt the rebuilding, but in Nehemiah, that Jewish people responded by arming themselves and resisting the opposition. They took up arms, and helped each other. They recognized the enemy was going to try to stop them and they pressed forward.
Second, I was thinking about the timing of God and His patience. We so often think that everything is going to go smooth if God is behind something, as He clearly was in this case. However, the enemy does not take kindly to God expanding His Kingdom, so we must expect some resistance, and know that God has not withdrawn His favor when resistance is encountered. Sometimes it is a matter of His timing, as I was reading yesterday about Jesus going up tot the festival, other times God is opening doors, and expecting us to step through them and apply our lives to the efforts. God was not worried about whether the enemy was resisting, for His plan was going to succeed whether the building stalled for a few years or not. God is infinitely patient, and we must learn to rely on His word and direction to guide us, not our emotions or efforts.
Finally I was encouraged by the Jewish people's resolve and resilience. They had in their minds and hearts an understanding that they were about something bigger then just their little sections of the wall. They were embarking on something significant in the history of their people and the history of their nation. They were stirred in spirit, AND resolute in effort. They were aware that the building had stalled previously, but now they were engaged and working together and guarding each other. They did need leaders to guide them and encourage them, and the Lord provided them.
Another interesting thing was they worked as families. They were each responsible for a section of the wall, and they all worked together to build the wall. They prayed, worked and were prepared to defend themselves and one another. What a great picture of the Body of Christ.
I guess I am just encouraged this morning that when God does start to move, that He backs it with His word, His encouragement, people who are stirred and leaders to guide the whole process. Thank You Lord that You are faithful, patient and our provider!
The books are from the same time frame and historians believe the book of Ezra is written first, which makes some sense, as He never speaks about the work being completed, while Nehemiah does. These books are basically the historical record of the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Jeremiah some 70+ years earlier (See Jer. 29), and they were political and religious perspectives, and the Book of Daniel was the prophetic perspective of the same basic events.
Anyway, the sections that I wanted to look at come from both books - Ezra 4 and Nehemiah 4.
Ezra 4:1-5, 24 NIV:
[1] "When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, [2] they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.”
[3] But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” [4] Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. [5] They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[24] Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia."
- and -
Nehemiah 4:1-2, 7-9, 13, 15-18 NIV:
[1] "When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, [2] and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble---burned as they are?”
[7] But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. [8] They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. [9] But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
[13] Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. [15] When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.
[16] From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah [17] who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, [18] and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me."
The reason these gained my attention this morning was that each is a record of opposition to rebuilding God's city, its protective wall and its temple. What I found interesting was that in Ezra the opposition was able to halt the rebuilding, but in Nehemiah, that Jewish people responded by arming themselves and resisting the opposition. They took up arms, and helped each other. They recognized the enemy was going to try to stop them and they pressed forward.
Second, I was thinking about the timing of God and His patience. We so often think that everything is going to go smooth if God is behind something, as He clearly was in this case. However, the enemy does not take kindly to God expanding His Kingdom, so we must expect some resistance, and know that God has not withdrawn His favor when resistance is encountered. Sometimes it is a matter of His timing, as I was reading yesterday about Jesus going up tot the festival, other times God is opening doors, and expecting us to step through them and apply our lives to the efforts. God was not worried about whether the enemy was resisting, for His plan was going to succeed whether the building stalled for a few years or not. God is infinitely patient, and we must learn to rely on His word and direction to guide us, not our emotions or efforts.
Finally I was encouraged by the Jewish people's resolve and resilience. They had in their minds and hearts an understanding that they were about something bigger then just their little sections of the wall. They were embarking on something significant in the history of their people and the history of their nation. They were stirred in spirit, AND resolute in effort. They were aware that the building had stalled previously, but now they were engaged and working together and guarding each other. They did need leaders to guide them and encourage them, and the Lord provided them.
Another interesting thing was they worked as families. They were each responsible for a section of the wall, and they all worked together to build the wall. They prayed, worked and were prepared to defend themselves and one another. What a great picture of the Body of Christ.
I guess I am just encouraged this morning that when God does start to move, that He backs it with His word, His encouragement, people who are stirred and leaders to guide the whole process. Thank You Lord that You are faithful, patient and our provider!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
When the Time Is Right He Comes!
This morning I felt like reading from John's Gospel. I am always encouraged when I read his Gospel, for it seems that Jesus is presented more personally by John. Anyway, this morning I am reading out of the seventh chapter - and thinking about the following verses - John 7:6-8, 14-18 NIV:
[6] Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. [7] The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. [8] You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.”
[14] Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. [15] The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
[16] "Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. [17] Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. [18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him."
A few things caught my eye as I was reading these verses, first, Jesus even after He started His public ministry was aware of issues of the timing of His Father. He was very much in synch with the Father, and while we don't necessarily understand the reasoning, He knew that He wasn't supposed to go to the festival with His brothers, or at their bidding.
His comments about His brothers thought's is interesting - "For you any time will do." I think that this can help us in our understanding of God's timing. We, in our desire to see God move, are always wanting Him to move now! We think our ideas and thoughts are the way God thinks. We rationalize, thinking the timing is perfect, that God has such a perfect opportunity to move, especially if the crowd is large. As I write this, I am reminded of the beginnings of two of the largest outpourings of God in the last 200 years, and neither had their start in large group gathering. The Azusa street revival and the New Hebrides Outpouring were both initially started by God in small meetings, in humble gatherings.
For more on Azusa Street - follow this link: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
For more on the New Hebrides Outpouring - follow this link: http://www.revival-library.org/pensketches/revivals/hebrides.html
God has a plan, and if we will listen to His plan, and trust Him to guide us and are willing to wait for Him we will see Him glorified. Jesus in this instance, listened to His Father rather than to His brothers who represent to us normal human logic.
Secondly, Jesus understood that His teaching was confronting the spirit of the world, and the reaction would not be good. We should never be surprised by the negative reaction to Jesus, His teaching or His presence, for He experienced all of this while He was here on earth. He was the most loving, passionate, compassionate, grace filled person to ever walk the earth, and people rejected Him, thought poorly of Him, didn't understand Him and second guessed Him all the time. They didn't trust Him because He hadn't been taught, He hung out with sinners, He drank, He did not try to promote Himself. In other words He was too much like them! He preached radical things like loving each other, having mercy instead of judgment, the Kingdom of God present in their midst, etc. He was like them, but completely unlike them in so many other ways, all of which were good. The world though, doesn't want to be convicted, doesn't want to be reminded of their wrong ways. The world doesn't want to be held accountable for their actions, nor for their thoughts.
Finally Jesus says that they will know whether His teaching comes from the Father. I like to believe that in this verse He is pointing at the signs, miracles and healings. Later in John, Jesus makes a very clear statement - John 14:10-11 NIV: "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves." In other words, the proof of the origination of His teaching being from the Father is from the evidence of the works that accompany His teaching - the signs and wonders, healing and miracles. Jesus then makes one of the most encouraging statements in all of scripture - John 14:12 NIV: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." The key here is that these signs are supposed to serve the same purpose for us followers of God, they are to represent Him. We are not supposed to be speaking our words, but His, and when we do, He backs up the words with His authority to heal and cast out demons, and the like.
When God comes, in His timing, the world is convicted and confronted with Him. As happened in Azusa and the New Hebrides, His Glory shines out and people from all around will come and be changed. We want His presence, His words and His glory. Our reasoning, our thinking, our emotions, our working things up cannot be a substitute for Him.
Lord, we are waiting and praying for You to visit us, and while we don't know the timing, we trust that You do! Come and touch us and reveal Yourself to us and to this generation!
[6] Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. [7] The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. [8] You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.”
[14] Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. [15] The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
[16] "Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. [17] Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. [18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him."
A few things caught my eye as I was reading these verses, first, Jesus even after He started His public ministry was aware of issues of the timing of His Father. He was very much in synch with the Father, and while we don't necessarily understand the reasoning, He knew that He wasn't supposed to go to the festival with His brothers, or at their bidding.
His comments about His brothers thought's is interesting - "For you any time will do." I think that this can help us in our understanding of God's timing. We, in our desire to see God move, are always wanting Him to move now! We think our ideas and thoughts are the way God thinks. We rationalize, thinking the timing is perfect, that God has such a perfect opportunity to move, especially if the crowd is large. As I write this, I am reminded of the beginnings of two of the largest outpourings of God in the last 200 years, and neither had their start in large group gathering. The Azusa street revival and the New Hebrides Outpouring were both initially started by God in small meetings, in humble gatherings.
For more on Azusa Street - follow this link: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
For more on the New Hebrides Outpouring - follow this link: http://www.revival-library.org/pensketches/revivals/hebrides.html
God has a plan, and if we will listen to His plan, and trust Him to guide us and are willing to wait for Him we will see Him glorified. Jesus in this instance, listened to His Father rather than to His brothers who represent to us normal human logic.
Secondly, Jesus understood that His teaching was confronting the spirit of the world, and the reaction would not be good. We should never be surprised by the negative reaction to Jesus, His teaching or His presence, for He experienced all of this while He was here on earth. He was the most loving, passionate, compassionate, grace filled person to ever walk the earth, and people rejected Him, thought poorly of Him, didn't understand Him and second guessed Him all the time. They didn't trust Him because He hadn't been taught, He hung out with sinners, He drank, He did not try to promote Himself. In other words He was too much like them! He preached radical things like loving each other, having mercy instead of judgment, the Kingdom of God present in their midst, etc. He was like them, but completely unlike them in so many other ways, all of which were good. The world though, doesn't want to be convicted, doesn't want to be reminded of their wrong ways. The world doesn't want to be held accountable for their actions, nor for their thoughts.
Finally Jesus says that they will know whether His teaching comes from the Father. I like to believe that in this verse He is pointing at the signs, miracles and healings. Later in John, Jesus makes a very clear statement - John 14:10-11 NIV: "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves." In other words, the proof of the origination of His teaching being from the Father is from the evidence of the works that accompany His teaching - the signs and wonders, healing and miracles. Jesus then makes one of the most encouraging statements in all of scripture - John 14:12 NIV: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." The key here is that these signs are supposed to serve the same purpose for us followers of God, they are to represent Him. We are not supposed to be speaking our words, but His, and when we do, He backs up the words with His authority to heal and cast out demons, and the like.
When God comes, in His timing, the world is convicted and confronted with Him. As happened in Azusa and the New Hebrides, His Glory shines out and people from all around will come and be changed. We want His presence, His words and His glory. Our reasoning, our thinking, our emotions, our working things up cannot be a substitute for Him.
Lord, we are waiting and praying for You to visit us, and while we don't know the timing, we trust that You do! Come and touch us and reveal Yourself to us and to this generation!
Friday, March 4, 2016
Life is NOT Found In Possessions
This morning I didn't feel lead to read from any particular section of scripture, so just decided to read from Luke, as I love thinking about Jesus and His words. Here are the verses I am thinking about this morning - Luke 12:15, 29-34 NIV:
[15] "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
[29] "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
[32] “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I have been thinking for a while about down-sizing our home and life-style and this morning these verses were encouraging to me that this is a worthy pursuit. I love Jesus' words - "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." Nothing could be truer, yet we pursue possessions.
It is an interesting thing, our desire for possessions. I think in some ways it is idolatrous, for we long for, and desire and think about our possessions so much. An abundance of possessions leads to an abundance of cares, and concerns. We make decisions about our life, based on our possessions. We desire things we can't afford, and thus we go into debt, just to have those things. We essentially enslave ourselves to earning payment for these things.
It seems to me that the Lord invites us into a different pursuit, that being the Kingdom of God. He says to seek first the Kingdom. The perspective here is that this is our first and foremost concern. He will provide that which we need, in other words we don't need to seek after those other things.
The second thing to note is that Jesus is guiding us toward an eternal mindset. We are so concerned with the here and now, and He says we should rather be concerned with eternity and heaven. He says that where our treasure is, there also will be our heart. So if we treasure our things more than other people, our hearts will be on our things. If our treasure is here on earth consisting of our possession, our heart will never consider eternity and heaven.
There is much good to be found in some of the simplify your life, minimalism, small house, and other social trends and ideas. This new move away from commercialism is definitely a positive movement, but it must be coupled with seeking the Kingdom as well. Relationship with the Lord should be our first concern, and then our brothers and sisters and our neighbors. The Kingdom consists of relationships, not things. Life is found in the Holy Spirit (John 6:63), the fountain of living water placed in each of us (John 7:38). As I think about this, our only way to encounter this fountain of living water, the Holy Spirit in each of us, is through relationships.
I am encouraged to really consider my life, my possessions and what is really important.
[15] "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
[29] "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
[32] “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I have been thinking for a while about down-sizing our home and life-style and this morning these verses were encouraging to me that this is a worthy pursuit. I love Jesus' words - "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." Nothing could be truer, yet we pursue possessions.
It is an interesting thing, our desire for possessions. I think in some ways it is idolatrous, for we long for, and desire and think about our possessions so much. An abundance of possessions leads to an abundance of cares, and concerns. We make decisions about our life, based on our possessions. We desire things we can't afford, and thus we go into debt, just to have those things. We essentially enslave ourselves to earning payment for these things.
It seems to me that the Lord invites us into a different pursuit, that being the Kingdom of God. He says to seek first the Kingdom. The perspective here is that this is our first and foremost concern. He will provide that which we need, in other words we don't need to seek after those other things.
The second thing to note is that Jesus is guiding us toward an eternal mindset. We are so concerned with the here and now, and He says we should rather be concerned with eternity and heaven. He says that where our treasure is, there also will be our heart. So if we treasure our things more than other people, our hearts will be on our things. If our treasure is here on earth consisting of our possession, our heart will never consider eternity and heaven.
There is much good to be found in some of the simplify your life, minimalism, small house, and other social trends and ideas. This new move away from commercialism is definitely a positive movement, but it must be coupled with seeking the Kingdom as well. Relationship with the Lord should be our first concern, and then our brothers and sisters and our neighbors. The Kingdom consists of relationships, not things. Life is found in the Holy Spirit (John 6:63), the fountain of living water placed in each of us (John 7:38). As I think about this, our only way to encounter this fountain of living water, the Holy Spirit in each of us, is through relationships.
I am encouraged to really consider my life, my possessions and what is really important.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Jesus Wept - His Response to Grief
This morning I felt like reading out of John's Gospel, and am thinking about the relationships of Mary and Martha with Jesus. Here are the specific verses - John 11:20-22, 28-35 NIV:
[20] "When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. [21] “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
[they have a bit of a conversation here which I did not include here]
[28] "After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
[32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept."
As I was re-reading this story this morning, I was struck by the personal nature of the relationships Jesus had with each of the sisters. We know from the previous story of Mary at His feet, and Martha busying herself about the house (Luke 10: 38-42) that they were very different personalities, and that they likely related to Jesus differently. There have been plenty of commentaries written about their interaction, and Jesus' comments, but my one thought today is that regardless of our attitude or relationship, Jesus meets us where we are at and is comfortable with our position. In other words, He understands us all and will not require us to change the way we think and act to have a relationship with us.
So back to Martha and Mary - Martha goes out in pursuit of the Lord, while Mary just stays home, even though she knows that Jesus is coming. I find this interesting - Mary was the one (according to Luke) who wouldn't separate herself from the Lord, and yet when the opportunity to approach Him about her brother Lazarus comes, she stays home. I think this reflects on her deep sorrow and disappointment. She had this deep intimate relationship with the Lord, her brother gets deathly sick and she sends messengers to the Lord but He doesn't come in time to save her brother. I am pretty sure she felt completely let down in her faith in the Lord. She couldn't begin to understand how He would not hear her and respond to her request, coming immediately when she asked for help. I imagine in her mind and heart that was actually every bit as significant of a loss as her brother's death. I think she was despairing the loss of her brother and her relationship with Jesus.
I wonder how many of us have lost faith due to the death of a loved one? We cry out, we have all sorts of logic as to why the Lord should save our loved one, why they should continue living, all the good they were doing, and our incredible love, and yet they die - so we conclude that the Lord either doesn't love us or doesn't really listen to our prayers. The reality is that neither is an accurate perspective.
Martha, was more pragmatic, but still had a deep relationship with Jesus, so much so that she felt comfortable to leave her sister and family friends to go meet Jesus as soon as she heard He was coming. It seems to me that sometimes a dose of pragmatism is helpful in dealing with difficult situations. Martha lost no time in going to Jesus once again, knowing in her heart that He wasn't like anyone else. She probably figured that He was likely detained by something after their summons concerning Lazarus, but the fact that He was here now meant anything was possible. She was grieving but hopeful, and knew her relationship with Him allowed her to approach Him and speak with Him. Jesus was so gracious to her in His response, leading her gently to grow in her faith.
Getting back to Mary, Jesus is aware that she has not come to Him, and specifically invites her through her sister Martha. This is not about Him refusing to go to her, but really an invitation to re-enter relationship. She did go to Him, inspired and encouraged by the fact that He had asked about her, for this showed He still cared. She fell at His feet, and laid the accusation of her heart on Him. Instead of being angry at her words, Jesus was clearly moved and John describes His reaction. The Greek words used describe someone who is groaning outwardly, almost snorting and charging towards the foe (in this case death), and mourning deeply. He was clearly moved - and I believe He feels the same way about any of our losses. He is not cold and disconnected but rather very much impacted by our grief and sorrow, and empathetic towards our pain. I am reminded of the apparent fact that He had to stand by and watch His earthly father, Joseph, die and could not reveal himself yet. He understands grief, and personal loss. He understands our pain, our accusations, our sorrow, our anger, our rejection of belief, all the ugliness that pours out when we are grieving our loss. He shares our deep sense of sorrow for each of us is precious to Him. I believe He wept for Mary and Martha.
This morning I am reminded of the fact that Jesus loves me, understands me, and is gracious to me, in spite of my pain, sorrow, and grief. He meets me where I am, invites me back into relationship, and shares my pain. Lord thank You for Your amazing and comforting love and relationship.
[20] "When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. [21] “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
[they have a bit of a conversation here which I did not include here]
[28] "After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
[32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept."
As I was re-reading this story this morning, I was struck by the personal nature of the relationships Jesus had with each of the sisters. We know from the previous story of Mary at His feet, and Martha busying herself about the house (Luke 10: 38-42) that they were very different personalities, and that they likely related to Jesus differently. There have been plenty of commentaries written about their interaction, and Jesus' comments, but my one thought today is that regardless of our attitude or relationship, Jesus meets us where we are at and is comfortable with our position. In other words, He understands us all and will not require us to change the way we think and act to have a relationship with us.
So back to Martha and Mary - Martha goes out in pursuit of the Lord, while Mary just stays home, even though she knows that Jesus is coming. I find this interesting - Mary was the one (according to Luke) who wouldn't separate herself from the Lord, and yet when the opportunity to approach Him about her brother Lazarus comes, she stays home. I think this reflects on her deep sorrow and disappointment. She had this deep intimate relationship with the Lord, her brother gets deathly sick and she sends messengers to the Lord but He doesn't come in time to save her brother. I am pretty sure she felt completely let down in her faith in the Lord. She couldn't begin to understand how He would not hear her and respond to her request, coming immediately when she asked for help. I imagine in her mind and heart that was actually every bit as significant of a loss as her brother's death. I think she was despairing the loss of her brother and her relationship with Jesus.
I wonder how many of us have lost faith due to the death of a loved one? We cry out, we have all sorts of logic as to why the Lord should save our loved one, why they should continue living, all the good they were doing, and our incredible love, and yet they die - so we conclude that the Lord either doesn't love us or doesn't really listen to our prayers. The reality is that neither is an accurate perspective.
Martha, was more pragmatic, but still had a deep relationship with Jesus, so much so that she felt comfortable to leave her sister and family friends to go meet Jesus as soon as she heard He was coming. It seems to me that sometimes a dose of pragmatism is helpful in dealing with difficult situations. Martha lost no time in going to Jesus once again, knowing in her heart that He wasn't like anyone else. She probably figured that He was likely detained by something after their summons concerning Lazarus, but the fact that He was here now meant anything was possible. She was grieving but hopeful, and knew her relationship with Him allowed her to approach Him and speak with Him. Jesus was so gracious to her in His response, leading her gently to grow in her faith.
Getting back to Mary, Jesus is aware that she has not come to Him, and specifically invites her through her sister Martha. This is not about Him refusing to go to her, but really an invitation to re-enter relationship. She did go to Him, inspired and encouraged by the fact that He had asked about her, for this showed He still cared. She fell at His feet, and laid the accusation of her heart on Him. Instead of being angry at her words, Jesus was clearly moved and John describes His reaction. The Greek words used describe someone who is groaning outwardly, almost snorting and charging towards the foe (in this case death), and mourning deeply. He was clearly moved - and I believe He feels the same way about any of our losses. He is not cold and disconnected but rather very much impacted by our grief and sorrow, and empathetic towards our pain. I am reminded of the apparent fact that He had to stand by and watch His earthly father, Joseph, die and could not reveal himself yet. He understands grief, and personal loss. He understands our pain, our accusations, our sorrow, our anger, our rejection of belief, all the ugliness that pours out when we are grieving our loss. He shares our deep sense of sorrow for each of us is precious to Him. I believe He wept for Mary and Martha.
This morning I am reminded of the fact that Jesus loves me, understands me, and is gracious to me, in spite of my pain, sorrow, and grief. He meets me where I am, invites me back into relationship, and shares my pain. Lord thank You for Your amazing and comforting love and relationship.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Refreshment in the Desert
This morning I felt like reading from the Psalms, as it has been a while since I meditated on one of them. I turned to one of my favorites Psalm 63:1-8 NIV:
[1] "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
[2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
[3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
[4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
[5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
[6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
[7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
[8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."
Wow, each line is so rich. David wrote this psalm when he was in the desert. I can just see him reflecting on his physical thirst, which quickly became a reflection on his real thirst for the loving embrace of God. I imagine the dry plodding walk of someone in the desert, trying to find water, needing to keep moving to find that which they seek. I imagine the growing need, the dry mouth, the whole body becomes aware of its need for water.
Those who journey through deserts often, have learned to recognize the signs of water, learned where to look, and learned how to conserve that which they have already. Those who live by fresh water seldom think about the need to conserve, or how to find the hidden water that will keep them alive. Those who have water delivered to their door, or poured for them when they thirst, have little knowledge of where the water comes from, and how precious it is, they take it for granted.
I know that in my life, the times in the desert (dryness in my relationship with the Lord) have made me so much more appreciative of times of refreshing. I have seen the power and glory of God exhibited in ways that are astounding, and I have walked through dry and weary times. The reflection on what God has done and what I have seen help me to push through the dry seasons, knowing that times of refreshing are coming.
If I look closely at David's reflection, it is two lines about his dryness, and seven lines about the richness and blessings of relationship with God. He does not associate God with his dryness, that is from the desert, God is full of life and refreshing. David, in spite of the dryness, continues to seek God. He does not get angry with God for being in the desert, He rather reflects on the wonder of his relationship, and is moved to praise and singing. It is like he is a sailor walking through the desert singing about his love for the sea. The one makes him treasure the other even more.
Finally, what we choose to think on, is our choice. In the midst of the desert I can choose to think about the sand and the dryness, or I can think about the wonders of refreshment, showers of grace and mercy, the goodness of the Lord. Our mood and our vision will be greatly affected by that which we think about and look at. The second perspective has a look of hope and expectation, the first leads to self-focus and misery.
This morning I am encouraged to remember, and wait in joyful anticipation for times of refreshing in the Lord. He is good! He is full of life! His love is better than life! I can and will choose to praise Him, to reflect on His love and mercy! I will cling to Him, because His hand holds me up!
Amen!
[1] "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
[2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
[3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
[4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
[5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
[6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
[7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
[8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."
Wow, each line is so rich. David wrote this psalm when he was in the desert. I can just see him reflecting on his physical thirst, which quickly became a reflection on his real thirst for the loving embrace of God. I imagine the dry plodding walk of someone in the desert, trying to find water, needing to keep moving to find that which they seek. I imagine the growing need, the dry mouth, the whole body becomes aware of its need for water.
Those who journey through deserts often, have learned to recognize the signs of water, learned where to look, and learned how to conserve that which they have already. Those who live by fresh water seldom think about the need to conserve, or how to find the hidden water that will keep them alive. Those who have water delivered to their door, or poured for them when they thirst, have little knowledge of where the water comes from, and how precious it is, they take it for granted.
I know that in my life, the times in the desert (dryness in my relationship with the Lord) have made me so much more appreciative of times of refreshing. I have seen the power and glory of God exhibited in ways that are astounding, and I have walked through dry and weary times. The reflection on what God has done and what I have seen help me to push through the dry seasons, knowing that times of refreshing are coming.
If I look closely at David's reflection, it is two lines about his dryness, and seven lines about the richness and blessings of relationship with God. He does not associate God with his dryness, that is from the desert, God is full of life and refreshing. David, in spite of the dryness, continues to seek God. He does not get angry with God for being in the desert, He rather reflects on the wonder of his relationship, and is moved to praise and singing. It is like he is a sailor walking through the desert singing about his love for the sea. The one makes him treasure the other even more.
Finally, what we choose to think on, is our choice. In the midst of the desert I can choose to think about the sand and the dryness, or I can think about the wonders of refreshment, showers of grace and mercy, the goodness of the Lord. Our mood and our vision will be greatly affected by that which we think about and look at. The second perspective has a look of hope and expectation, the first leads to self-focus and misery.
This morning I am encouraged to remember, and wait in joyful anticipation for times of refreshing in the Lord. He is good! He is full of life! His love is better than life! I can and will choose to praise Him, to reflect on His love and mercy! I will cling to Him, because His hand holds me up!
Amen!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Mercy vs Sacrifice; Sinners vs Righteous
I am reading from Matthew's Gospel and resting in the ninth chapter. I love this story about Jesus, for it shows His and the Father's heart towards those who don't know Him - Matthew 9:9-13 NIV:
[9] "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
[10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The theme of these verses fits in well with my meditations of late on sin, self-righteousness and the Kingdom. If we look closely at the last sentence, we find a very interesting correlation that Jesus makes - mercy with sinners, righteous with sacrifice. He is welcoming the first pair and rejecting the second pair.
Again, we must put this in the context of comments towards the self-righteous Pharisees. He was trying to break them, and those who believed like them, out of their existing paradigm. He was communicating the heart of the Father and helping them to understand that the Father had a completely different approach then they thought.
Back to the last line - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" and "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners". If I ask myself what does Jesus want? The answer is mercy and sinners. As I was thinking about this I realized that there is a certain cause and effect in play here as well. Sinners, who are called to relationship with the Lord, in spite of their sin, are very conscious of the mercy that has been extended to them. They recognize this mercy is not what they deserve, and they are grateful. When they encounter other sinners, rather than judging them in their sin, they introduce them to the one who has had mercy on them. They don't apply requirements for righteousness, for none were applied to them. If this is what Jesus wants, and who He came for, and who He came to call, then this is likely where He is, and where He wants us! In other words, if Jesus had an option He would rather hang out with sinners than with those who thought they were righteous, and He would want the same for us.
Following this thinking, Jesus (and thus His Father who He was representing) does not desire sacrifice and did not come to call the righteous. The original language is quite clear that this is exactly what Jesus said - sacrifice pertaining to the Law, and the sacrifices required to appease guilt, and righteous pertaining to the same - righteous within the context of the law. Again, we must look back at the message of righteousness through faith, not works as described by Paul in his letter to the Romans. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who saw themselves as righteous and required others to fulfill the sacrifices of the law to attain their level of righteousness. Again, Jesus plainly is saying this is not what He or the Father desires.
So today my encouragement is to remember that He called me, extended mercy to me when I did not deserve it, and has given me His righteousness, not because of something I did, but because of His love and mercy. He desires this same attitude of me, to extend mercy and call sinners. Lastly, if He came to call sinners I am pretty sure that is where He is, and where He expects us to be. Personally I want to be where He is! Amen!
[9] "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
[10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The theme of these verses fits in well with my meditations of late on sin, self-righteousness and the Kingdom. If we look closely at the last sentence, we find a very interesting correlation that Jesus makes - mercy with sinners, righteous with sacrifice. He is welcoming the first pair and rejecting the second pair.
Again, we must put this in the context of comments towards the self-righteous Pharisees. He was trying to break them, and those who believed like them, out of their existing paradigm. He was communicating the heart of the Father and helping them to understand that the Father had a completely different approach then they thought.
Back to the last line - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" and "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners". If I ask myself what does Jesus want? The answer is mercy and sinners. As I was thinking about this I realized that there is a certain cause and effect in play here as well. Sinners, who are called to relationship with the Lord, in spite of their sin, are very conscious of the mercy that has been extended to them. They recognize this mercy is not what they deserve, and they are grateful. When they encounter other sinners, rather than judging them in their sin, they introduce them to the one who has had mercy on them. They don't apply requirements for righteousness, for none were applied to them. If this is what Jesus wants, and who He came for, and who He came to call, then this is likely where He is, and where He wants us! In other words, if Jesus had an option He would rather hang out with sinners than with those who thought they were righteous, and He would want the same for us.
Following this thinking, Jesus (and thus His Father who He was representing) does not desire sacrifice and did not come to call the righteous. The original language is quite clear that this is exactly what Jesus said - sacrifice pertaining to the Law, and the sacrifices required to appease guilt, and righteous pertaining to the same - righteous within the context of the law. Again, we must look back at the message of righteousness through faith, not works as described by Paul in his letter to the Romans. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who saw themselves as righteous and required others to fulfill the sacrifices of the law to attain their level of righteousness. Again, Jesus plainly is saying this is not what He or the Father desires.
So today my encouragement is to remember that He called me, extended mercy to me when I did not deserve it, and has given me His righteousness, not because of something I did, but because of His love and mercy. He desires this same attitude of me, to extend mercy and call sinners. Lastly, if He came to call sinners I am pretty sure that is where He is, and where He expects us to be. Personally I want to be where He is! Amen!
The Kingdom and Little Children
This morning I was continuing my reading of Luke's eighteenth chapter - Luke 18:15-17 NIV:
[15] "People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
I have always liked these verses, because they represent the way I think the Father is towards all of us. He welcomes us and desires us to come to Him.
This morning I thought I would dig into the original Greek, as there are two words that seem pretty significant "belongs" and "receive" both of which are describing the Kingdom of God. These are Jesus' words concerning the Kingdom, so it is important for us to understand them.
The first word translated 'belongs' is the Greek work Eimi and the definition is given as follows: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. Only a few times is this word translated 'belongs' in the scriptures, so this causes me to wonder about a fuller meaning. If we replaced belongs with the simple definition "is present" it significantly changes the way I read this verse. It would sound to me that little children have an awareness of the Kingdom, that us older people do not. I find from my experience that this is often true, that little children are more sensitive to the moving of God, and spiritual reality around them, although they sometimes don't have language to describe what they are sensing or feeling.
The second word here translated 'receive' is the Greek word dechomai and it is defined as follows:
1) to take with the hand
a) to take hold of, take up
2) to take up, receive
a) used of a place receiving one
b) to receive or grant access to, a visitor, not to refuse intercourse or friendship
1. to receive hospitality
2. to receive into one's family to bring up or educate
c) of the thing offered in speaking, teaching, instructing
1. to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
d) to receive. i.e. to take upon one's self, sustain, bear, endure
3) to receive, get
a) to learn
When I look at this definition, I imagine a little child holding out there hand to receive a gift their Father is giving them. There is an expectation and joy in the place of receiving something good. I imagine the child grasping this gift in their hand, recognizing that it is their gift because the Father has given it to them. There is no thought of earning or working, only receiving and taking it in their hand too examine and enjoy. A child will often not comprehend the actual value of the item that had been received, and I believe that is in play here as well, for all of us are like children in our understanding of the true riches of the Kingdom of God.
Finally, the fact that the way we receive the kingdom is critical to our ability to enter into the Kingdom, should cause us to review our attitude and heart. I think for me this means that it is not complicated and it is related to our heart attitude. We don't earn it, we receive it! It's not out of the ordinary, it is part of our life. In the same way we receive it, we should give it away.
Lord, help us to welcome Your Kingdom! Help us to take hold of it and embrace it with all our life, for it is a gift from You!
[15] "People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
I have always liked these verses, because they represent the way I think the Father is towards all of us. He welcomes us and desires us to come to Him.
This morning I thought I would dig into the original Greek, as there are two words that seem pretty significant "belongs" and "receive" both of which are describing the Kingdom of God. These are Jesus' words concerning the Kingdom, so it is important for us to understand them.
The first word translated 'belongs' is the Greek work Eimi and the definition is given as follows: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. Only a few times is this word translated 'belongs' in the scriptures, so this causes me to wonder about a fuller meaning. If we replaced belongs with the simple definition "is present" it significantly changes the way I read this verse. It would sound to me that little children have an awareness of the Kingdom, that us older people do not. I find from my experience that this is often true, that little children are more sensitive to the moving of God, and spiritual reality around them, although they sometimes don't have language to describe what they are sensing or feeling.
The second word here translated 'receive' is the Greek word dechomai and it is defined as follows:
1) to take with the hand
a) to take hold of, take up
2) to take up, receive
a) used of a place receiving one
b) to receive or grant access to, a visitor, not to refuse intercourse or friendship
1. to receive hospitality
2. to receive into one's family to bring up or educate
c) of the thing offered in speaking, teaching, instructing
1. to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
d) to receive. i.e. to take upon one's self, sustain, bear, endure
3) to receive, get
a) to learn
When I look at this definition, I imagine a little child holding out there hand to receive a gift their Father is giving them. There is an expectation and joy in the place of receiving something good. I imagine the child grasping this gift in their hand, recognizing that it is their gift because the Father has given it to them. There is no thought of earning or working, only receiving and taking it in their hand too examine and enjoy. A child will often not comprehend the actual value of the item that had been received, and I believe that is in play here as well, for all of us are like children in our understanding of the true riches of the Kingdom of God.
Finally, the fact that the way we receive the kingdom is critical to our ability to enter into the Kingdom, should cause us to review our attitude and heart. I think for me this means that it is not complicated and it is related to our heart attitude. We don't earn it, we receive it! It's not out of the ordinary, it is part of our life. In the same way we receive it, we should give it away.
Lord, help us to welcome Your Kingdom! Help us to take hold of it and embrace it with all our life, for it is a gift from You!
Saturday, February 20, 2016
There is NO Self-Righteousness
This morning I felt like I should read from Luke's Gospel. I turned to chapter 18 and after reading through the whole chapter the following passages grabbed my attention - Luke 18:9-14 NIV:
[9] "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
[13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
[14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This is such an interesting story, for Jesus is addressing the Pharisees as well as the rest of the people who followed Him. The Pharisees were the ones that held themselves as righteous according to the law, they were the experts on God's word and had spent their lives pursuing this path of righteousness. These were the people that others looked up to, in regards to the religious purity, yet they were the people that Jesus confronted the most often, showing them how they were misunderstanding the purpose of the Law.
The Pharisees pursued external works as a way to righteousness, and Jesus is calling them to consider their hearts instead. Fasting and tithing, regular church attendance, etc. does not earn anyone righteousness. In fact these things can become a source of pride in our lives, as we judge others who don't do these things as worse than ourselves. The truth is that all of us are sinners, and have gone astray (Is. 53:6) and our only righteousness comes from Jesus (See Romans 1-5). There is NO self-righteouness. None of us is any better than anyone else in terms of righteousness on our own, it is only through our faith in Christ Jesus. If the gift is the same, how can we think of ourselves as better than others?
It is true that by the grace of God, and through our love for Him, that some of us have started to conform our lives to Him. Our calling is to be like Him, to become like Him, to represent Him to the world. Our lives become our witness and the people around us view our lives. We want our lives to point to Christ. Jesus was constantly pointing to His Father, constantly representing Him to the world, and we are called to do the same. This isn't a competition to see who can be the most righteous, the most pure, the most holy. Instead we called to relationship with the Lord, and invited to introduce others to Him.
So I am reminded today of my own sinfulness, my own need for righteousness through faith in Jesus, and I am so grateful that He has saved me. I want o walk humbly in the knowledge that it is all about Him, and I have just accepted the most fantastic gift ever given. It isn't something I earned, but rather it is the free gift of the Lord because of His love for me.
Amen.
[9] "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
[13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
[14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This is such an interesting story, for Jesus is addressing the Pharisees as well as the rest of the people who followed Him. The Pharisees were the ones that held themselves as righteous according to the law, they were the experts on God's word and had spent their lives pursuing this path of righteousness. These were the people that others looked up to, in regards to the religious purity, yet they were the people that Jesus confronted the most often, showing them how they were misunderstanding the purpose of the Law.
The Pharisees pursued external works as a way to righteousness, and Jesus is calling them to consider their hearts instead. Fasting and tithing, regular church attendance, etc. does not earn anyone righteousness. In fact these things can become a source of pride in our lives, as we judge others who don't do these things as worse than ourselves. The truth is that all of us are sinners, and have gone astray (Is. 53:6) and our only righteousness comes from Jesus (See Romans 1-5). There is NO self-righteouness. None of us is any better than anyone else in terms of righteousness on our own, it is only through our faith in Christ Jesus. If the gift is the same, how can we think of ourselves as better than others?
It is true that by the grace of God, and through our love for Him, that some of us have started to conform our lives to Him. Our calling is to be like Him, to become like Him, to represent Him to the world. Our lives become our witness and the people around us view our lives. We want our lives to point to Christ. Jesus was constantly pointing to His Father, constantly representing Him to the world, and we are called to do the same. This isn't a competition to see who can be the most righteous, the most pure, the most holy. Instead we called to relationship with the Lord, and invited to introduce others to Him.
So I am reminded today of my own sinfulness, my own need for righteousness through faith in Jesus, and I am so grateful that He has saved me. I want o walk humbly in the knowledge that it is all about Him, and I have just accepted the most fantastic gift ever given. It isn't something I earned, but rather it is the free gift of the Lord because of His love for me.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Hatred and Spiritual Blindness
This morning I thought I would go back to where I left off in John's first letter. It was a while ago that I started working through his letter verse by verse, and I really enjoyed that study. So this morning I went back to where I left off. The following verses caught my eye - 1 John 2:9-11 NIV:
[9] "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. [10] Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. [11] But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them."
When I read these verses I was reminded of a common dream I have where I am driving somewhere and it starts getting darker and darker and I have no idea where I am going because the darkness is blinding me. It is a bit unsettling to see such a clear parallel in my dreams with John's letter here. It is interesting, as we were just talking last night about how the Lord speaks to us through our dreams. I had used this very dream as an example of my not knowing where I was going in the future, being blind to what is up ahead.
In these verses John is speaking specifically about fellow members of the Body of Christ, for the Greek word is adelphos, which denotes a fellow believer, whether man or woman. Hatred for a fellow brother or sister, a fellow member of the body of Christ, causes spiritual blindness according to John. Good Spiritual sight seems to me to be related to our understanding of God and His heart and purpose for ourselves and those around us, and spiritual darkness or blindness would be a lack of this understanding.
I can definitely see John's point, for if we are hating a fellow believer, we are rejecting one that the Lord has chosen and died to save. We are rejecting His perspective on their significance and membership in the Body of Christ. Secondly, the most significant characteristic of Christ is His love. He IS love, literally the word incarnate. Love is the greatest of gifts (1 Cor 13:13) and the most excellent way according to Paul. It is the single thing that is supposed to differentiate us as followers of Christ (John 13:35). It is the new commandment that Jesus gave us, that we should love one another (John 13:34). It is supposed to be the most significant characteristic of the Body of Christ, the church.
Thus, John can safely say that anyone that hates a fellow member of the Body of Christ is still in darkness, for they are not operating in the single most important charism of the church - love. I am sure one of the great disappointments the Lord has with His church today is the fact that the church is hardly distinguishable from the rest of the world. We seem to have lost our love and affection for one another, choosing instead to argue and fight over doctrinal differences, and scriptural interpretation. We compete with each other for members, we discourage inter-church and inter-denominational fellowship. We offer a thin hand of fellowship to our fellow brothers and sisters. We each think that our perspective is correct and give into spiritual pride as we judge all those who don't agree with us.
We are called to love one another, to be for each other, to have this love be so evident that world can easily identify that we are followers of Jesus. Let us pray for the spiritual blindness to be lifted that we can see where we are supposed to go, and what we are supposed to do. Let us lay down our judgments and mistrust of each other, let us set aside our hatred and disagreements and let us open our eyes to see one another the way the Lord sees us, as someone worth giving our very life for out of love.
Amen Lord, help me to see!
[9] "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. [10] Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. [11] But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them."
When I read these verses I was reminded of a common dream I have where I am driving somewhere and it starts getting darker and darker and I have no idea where I am going because the darkness is blinding me. It is a bit unsettling to see such a clear parallel in my dreams with John's letter here. It is interesting, as we were just talking last night about how the Lord speaks to us through our dreams. I had used this very dream as an example of my not knowing where I was going in the future, being blind to what is up ahead.
In these verses John is speaking specifically about fellow members of the Body of Christ, for the Greek word is adelphos, which denotes a fellow believer, whether man or woman. Hatred for a fellow brother or sister, a fellow member of the body of Christ, causes spiritual blindness according to John. Good Spiritual sight seems to me to be related to our understanding of God and His heart and purpose for ourselves and those around us, and spiritual darkness or blindness would be a lack of this understanding.
I can definitely see John's point, for if we are hating a fellow believer, we are rejecting one that the Lord has chosen and died to save. We are rejecting His perspective on their significance and membership in the Body of Christ. Secondly, the most significant characteristic of Christ is His love. He IS love, literally the word incarnate. Love is the greatest of gifts (1 Cor 13:13) and the most excellent way according to Paul. It is the single thing that is supposed to differentiate us as followers of Christ (John 13:35). It is the new commandment that Jesus gave us, that we should love one another (John 13:34). It is supposed to be the most significant characteristic of the Body of Christ, the church.
Thus, John can safely say that anyone that hates a fellow member of the Body of Christ is still in darkness, for they are not operating in the single most important charism of the church - love. I am sure one of the great disappointments the Lord has with His church today is the fact that the church is hardly distinguishable from the rest of the world. We seem to have lost our love and affection for one another, choosing instead to argue and fight over doctrinal differences, and scriptural interpretation. We compete with each other for members, we discourage inter-church and inter-denominational fellowship. We offer a thin hand of fellowship to our fellow brothers and sisters. We each think that our perspective is correct and give into spiritual pride as we judge all those who don't agree with us.
We are called to love one another, to be for each other, to have this love be so evident that world can easily identify that we are followers of Jesus. Let us pray for the spiritual blindness to be lifted that we can see where we are supposed to go, and what we are supposed to do. Let us lay down our judgments and mistrust of each other, let us set aside our hatred and disagreements and let us open our eyes to see one another the way the Lord sees us, as someone worth giving our very life for out of love.
Amen Lord, help me to see!
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