This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from John's Gospel. These few verses are pretty mind-blowing if you let them resonate!
John 17:19,24,26 NIV:
[19] "For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
[26] "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
These are really radical statements and they are true for us all!
First , in verse 19, Jesus says that He sanctified Himself, that we might, in Him, be sanctified! In other words, His holiness, His purity, His righteousness are all provided to us, as well! When the Father looks at us, He sees us looking just like Jesus. Paul says that we are hidden in Christ, which is a good description. Here we see Jesus' accomplishments being distributed to us!
Secondly, in verse 24, if verse 19 is true, then we are definitely with Jesus where He is. He was loved by the Father before the creation of the World, and so were we according to Ephesians 1:4 NIV: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Jesus also makes mention of this in His description of the Judgement day - Matthew 25:34 NIV: “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."
Finally in verse 26 we see Jesus saying that the same Love the Father has for Him, will be in us! That statement is definitely too deep to fathom. We can't possibly comprehend the Love the Father has for His son Jesus! Yet, Jesus says that same love will be in us. In fact, He will be in us as well!
This Love of the Father; this loving us since before the creation of the world; this sharing of His Glory; this blessing us with His sanctification and His righteousness is our Gospel, our Good News! It is so much more than just salvation, or a place in Heaven. We are fully His beloved Sons and Daughters, and we are and have always been greatly loved! Wow!
I am just going to let this settle in my soul, in my heart and in my mind! Lord, help me to grasp more of that which is clearly beyond our understanding! Help me to not only believe this, but help me to live my life in this knowledge!
Amen and amen!
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Monday, July 22, 2019
The End and the New Beginning
This morning I am reflecting on one of the most interesting statements Jesus made, and they were His last words. We find them recorded in John 19:28-30 NIV:
[28] "Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” [29] A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. [30] When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
My first thought in reading this verse this morning, is that while this should have been the end, it was not! Three days later Jesus was resurrected and what seemed finished or ended at the moment on the cross has continued on since Jesus rose from the dead! What a glorious story we are part of, for His ministry continues on in the church.
My second thought was wondering what exactly Jesus said, looking back to the Greek language that was used to record His final words. John was writing in Greek, so He used the word "Teleo". This like many words has a few possible definitions, depending on how it is used in context. As I am not a Greek scholar, I can only report the whole list of possible definitions, as follows:
1) to bring to a close, to finish, to end
a) passed, finished
2) to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
a) with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command
b) with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfil
3) to pay
a) of tribute
As I reflect on each of these, I can see in them Jesus' fulfillment, and statement as it relates to His life to that point. He had perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law, and fulfilled the prophesies that had been spoken about Him. He paid the debt of man's sin. He had fulfilled the commands of the Father to perfection. He had laid down His life for us all! He had performed the last act required to fulfill all that He had come to do! I heard someone say, in regards to paying for our sins, that it was as if He was saying "Paid in Full" and that no other payment would ever have to be made.
To put it in a context that I can understand, for much of which I just wrote I understand intellectually, but clearly not in the fullness of what they mean eternally. As I was reflecting on this paid in full, I thought of what it would feel like to make the final payment on my house (which hasn't happened yet). When I write that last check there will be a sense of completeness! I will never have to write another check for this house (Other than taxes, which is a completely different story). The Mortgage company will send me a letter indicating the house is paid in full! I will have no debt hanging over my life! I will be quite joyful and it will signal my transition into a new age for me, one of being debt free. I am grateful that I don't worry about this debt, as I am well able to handle the monthly payments, but the sense of responsibility and commitment never leaves me. At that point, I believe that I will experience a sense of sweet relief and release! If I take this idea and multiply it by 20 Billion I might gain some small perspective of what it meant when Jesus uttered these words!
The best news is that being paid in full isn't the end! It is essentially the beginning of a new era, a new reality! In the life of the apostles and Jesus disciples, that new era started 3 days later, when Jesus rose from the dead. He appeared to them several times over the next few days and then spent a considerable time (See Acts 1:3) with them continuing to teach them about the Kingdom, before finally ascending to Heaven. The Apostles knew that Jesus' ministry and message was now their responsibility, and we continue that responsibility to this day!
Lord, I pray that You will help me grasp all that You did for me that day! Help me to join myself to that which continues to this day! Help me to embrace this "new beginning" and follow You.
Thank You for this incredible gift that You have given us all!
Amen!
[28] "Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” [29] A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. [30] When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
My first thought in reading this verse this morning, is that while this should have been the end, it was not! Three days later Jesus was resurrected and what seemed finished or ended at the moment on the cross has continued on since Jesus rose from the dead! What a glorious story we are part of, for His ministry continues on in the church.
My second thought was wondering what exactly Jesus said, looking back to the Greek language that was used to record His final words. John was writing in Greek, so He used the word "Teleo". This like many words has a few possible definitions, depending on how it is used in context. As I am not a Greek scholar, I can only report the whole list of possible definitions, as follows:
1) to bring to a close, to finish, to end
a) passed, finished
2) to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
a) with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command
b) with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfil
3) to pay
a) of tribute
As I reflect on each of these, I can see in them Jesus' fulfillment, and statement as it relates to His life to that point. He had perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law, and fulfilled the prophesies that had been spoken about Him. He paid the debt of man's sin. He had fulfilled the commands of the Father to perfection. He had laid down His life for us all! He had performed the last act required to fulfill all that He had come to do! I heard someone say, in regards to paying for our sins, that it was as if He was saying "Paid in Full" and that no other payment would ever have to be made.
To put it in a context that I can understand, for much of which I just wrote I understand intellectually, but clearly not in the fullness of what they mean eternally. As I was reflecting on this paid in full, I thought of what it would feel like to make the final payment on my house (which hasn't happened yet). When I write that last check there will be a sense of completeness! I will never have to write another check for this house (Other than taxes, which is a completely different story). The Mortgage company will send me a letter indicating the house is paid in full! I will have no debt hanging over my life! I will be quite joyful and it will signal my transition into a new age for me, one of being debt free. I am grateful that I don't worry about this debt, as I am well able to handle the monthly payments, but the sense of responsibility and commitment never leaves me. At that point, I believe that I will experience a sense of sweet relief and release! If I take this idea and multiply it by 20 Billion I might gain some small perspective of what it meant when Jesus uttered these words!
The best news is that being paid in full isn't the end! It is essentially the beginning of a new era, a new reality! In the life of the apostles and Jesus disciples, that new era started 3 days later, when Jesus rose from the dead. He appeared to them several times over the next few days and then spent a considerable time (See Acts 1:3) with them continuing to teach them about the Kingdom, before finally ascending to Heaven. The Apostles knew that Jesus' ministry and message was now their responsibility, and we continue that responsibility to this day!
Lord, I pray that You will help me grasp all that You did for me that day! Help me to join myself to that which continues to this day! Help me to embrace this "new beginning" and follow You.
Thank You for this incredible gift that You have given us all!
Amen!
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Resurrected Promises
This morning I felt led once again to go to John 11, which is the story of Lazarus. this has been one of the most recurrent themes and verses of late, and this morning I was once again asking the Lord why He keeps sending me back to these verses? Am I not learning or hearing what You are saying? Is this Your way of saying I am a slow learner? (just kidding - the Lord thinks I am awesome, just like He thinks You are awesome)! I felt like He said that there is a promise here that we need to hear!
Here are the verses I am reflecting on today (I am not including some of the rest of the story, but will refer to the facts as presented) - John 11:38-44 NIV:
[38] "Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. [39] “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
[40] Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
[41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
[43] When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” [44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
In the past I did quite an extensive study of the medical understanding of what happens to the body 4-5 days after death, and it is not a pretty picture (See my blog entry for more regarding this - https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/02/gods-promises-are-good-it-is-never-too.html
Suffice it to say that Lazarus didn't just need to be raised to life, His body needed to be reformed, to the point of almost being recreated. The internal breakdown of the human body happens at the cellular level, and after 4-5 days, the decomposition is significant.
So why am I bringing up this point? I felt like the Promise of the Lord this morning was for some of us who have suffered lost promises to the point that the promise was more than dead, it is in an advanced state of decay. The Lord would say, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” God spoke a recreative word over Lazarus and his body was completely restored in an instant. All the decay and decomposition was vanquished, and new life was breathed back into Lazarus at the cellular level! If go can do that for the trillion plus cells in Lazarus' body, He can do the same for your circumstances and life! He is the restorer of those that are lost, broken, worried, beat-down, hopeless and devastated. He can resurrect His Promises in Your life, no matter how dead they seem.
So this morning, I am just encouraged to hope in the Lord for all of those unfulfilled and seemingly forgotten promises? I am encouraged that it sis never too late for the Lord! He is the restorer and healer.
Finally, I was reminded of some of my favorite verses from the Prophet Isaiah 61:1-4,7 NIV:
[1] "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
[2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
[3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
[4] They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."
[7] "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours."
Amen and Amen!!
Here are the verses I am reflecting on today (I am not including some of the rest of the story, but will refer to the facts as presented) - John 11:38-44 NIV:
[38] "Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. [39] “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
[40] Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
[41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
[43] When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” [44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
In the past I did quite an extensive study of the medical understanding of what happens to the body 4-5 days after death, and it is not a pretty picture (See my blog entry for more regarding this - https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/02/gods-promises-are-good-it-is-never-too.html
Suffice it to say that Lazarus didn't just need to be raised to life, His body needed to be reformed, to the point of almost being recreated. The internal breakdown of the human body happens at the cellular level, and after 4-5 days, the decomposition is significant.
So why am I bringing up this point? I felt like the Promise of the Lord this morning was for some of us who have suffered lost promises to the point that the promise was more than dead, it is in an advanced state of decay. The Lord would say, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” God spoke a recreative word over Lazarus and his body was completely restored in an instant. All the decay and decomposition was vanquished, and new life was breathed back into Lazarus at the cellular level! If go can do that for the trillion plus cells in Lazarus' body, He can do the same for your circumstances and life! He is the restorer of those that are lost, broken, worried, beat-down, hopeless and devastated. He can resurrect His Promises in Your life, no matter how dead they seem.
So this morning, I am just encouraged to hope in the Lord for all of those unfulfilled and seemingly forgotten promises? I am encouraged that it sis never too late for the Lord! He is the restorer and healer.
Finally, I was reminded of some of my favorite verses from the Prophet Isaiah 61:1-4,7 NIV:
[1] "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
[2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
[3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
[4] They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."
[7] "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours."
Amen and Amen!!
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Familiarity and Offense
This morning I am continuing my reflections from Mark's Gospel. Yesterday I was reflecting on the cure of the man with the withered hand and the amazing way news about Jesus spread throughout the region, and caused huge crowds to gather pressing in to touch him that they could be healed. Today its a few chapters later, and I am reflecting on almost the exact opposite reaction to Jesus that occurred in His hometown. Here are the verses - Mark 6:1-6 NIV:
[1] "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. [2] When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed."
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? [3] Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him."
[4] "Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” [5] He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. [6] He was amazed at their lack of faith."
"Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village."
Again, Mark is the master of conciseness. This story is also covered in Matthew's Gospel and a slightly different version in Luke's. The point is important enough that all three Gospel writers included this happening.
As I first look at this story I think there are two major points, taking offense and the lack of faith limiting God's ability to act. I have reflected on both of these over the years. However, today the point that stood out for me was the particulars of Jesus statement in verse 4, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." The specific inclusion of home and relatives caught my attention today, which causes me to want to think through why that would be, and wondering if that is always the case?
As I am thinking through this, I think I would like to expand this definition to include our modern equivalent of neighborhood, and maybe even our church congregations. The point is that it is where the person (prophet in this case) is known that there is not honor. In this case the word that is translated Honor is the Greek word 'atimos" and it means not honored, not valued, even despised, which are pretty strong statements.
So my question, as I apply this to my life, is whether or not this would be my reaction? Would I allow my past history, my intimate knowledge of a person, my remembrance of a persons sins (obviously this is not the case with Jesus), or disinterest in me and my affairs to cause me to dishonor or even despise them, should they be called and used by God?
It almost seems like it should be the opposite, that our knowledge of the individual and their foibles and imperfections, and yet the witness of God using them, should cause us to glorify God, for it is clearly not due to the person's abilities or character that God is working in them and through them! We should rejoice that God can use someone like us!
I think this is such an important point for us in the church! We want fine and upstanding leaders who are perfect in every way, and when we find out they aren't we become jaded, wounded, offended and sometimes even walk away from God. Here was the only perfect man to ever walk the earth, and people found a way to be offended by Him, and lose faith in God's ability to work through Him. It isn't about God's ability, or choice of a man, it is about our expectations and own selfishness!
Why should we expect our leaders to be any less sinful then we are? Why would we expect to always have them focused on us and our needs, when we are not that way to others? Why would we expect a person to have walked perfectly in their entire life, never having strayed off the path of righteousness?? Why would we think that a person can't grow and change and really repent? We are so quick to jettison those that are shown to be "human" like us, from rolls of leadership, or from places of honor in our minds and hearts. We are equally quick to disqualify ourselves from being used of God for the same reasons!
What if we decided to value each other as the Lord values us? What if we decided to trust Him to choose those He will use, and work through? What if we let Him choose us? It seems God is not particularly picky - Jesus said that the stones would cry out to glorify Him if the people didn't (Luke 19:40). In other words, all of us can be used by God to bring Him Glory!
This morning I am encouraged to choose to give value to those who I know, those I am closest too, as able to be used by God! I choose to believe that God could even use me, in spite of my own issues. I choose to believe that God is able to change people's hearts, their minds and even their character and that previous history is not a good indication or limitation of what God can do in the future - and I must include myself in this!
Thank You Lord, that You are about moving in our lives, and You choose to use people like me!
Amen!
[1] "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. [2] When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed."
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? [3] Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him."
[4] "Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” [5] He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. [6] He was amazed at their lack of faith."
"Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village."
Again, Mark is the master of conciseness. This story is also covered in Matthew's Gospel and a slightly different version in Luke's. The point is important enough that all three Gospel writers included this happening.
As I first look at this story I think there are two major points, taking offense and the lack of faith limiting God's ability to act. I have reflected on both of these over the years. However, today the point that stood out for me was the particulars of Jesus statement in verse 4, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home." The specific inclusion of home and relatives caught my attention today, which causes me to want to think through why that would be, and wondering if that is always the case?
As I am thinking through this, I think I would like to expand this definition to include our modern equivalent of neighborhood, and maybe even our church congregations. The point is that it is where the person (prophet in this case) is known that there is not honor. In this case the word that is translated Honor is the Greek word 'atimos" and it means not honored, not valued, even despised, which are pretty strong statements.
So my question, as I apply this to my life, is whether or not this would be my reaction? Would I allow my past history, my intimate knowledge of a person, my remembrance of a persons sins (obviously this is not the case with Jesus), or disinterest in me and my affairs to cause me to dishonor or even despise them, should they be called and used by God?
It almost seems like it should be the opposite, that our knowledge of the individual and their foibles and imperfections, and yet the witness of God using them, should cause us to glorify God, for it is clearly not due to the person's abilities or character that God is working in them and through them! We should rejoice that God can use someone like us!
I think this is such an important point for us in the church! We want fine and upstanding leaders who are perfect in every way, and when we find out they aren't we become jaded, wounded, offended and sometimes even walk away from God. Here was the only perfect man to ever walk the earth, and people found a way to be offended by Him, and lose faith in God's ability to work through Him. It isn't about God's ability, or choice of a man, it is about our expectations and own selfishness!
Why should we expect our leaders to be any less sinful then we are? Why would we expect to always have them focused on us and our needs, when we are not that way to others? Why would we expect a person to have walked perfectly in their entire life, never having strayed off the path of righteousness?? Why would we think that a person can't grow and change and really repent? We are so quick to jettison those that are shown to be "human" like us, from rolls of leadership, or from places of honor in our minds and hearts. We are equally quick to disqualify ourselves from being used of God for the same reasons!
What if we decided to value each other as the Lord values us? What if we decided to trust Him to choose those He will use, and work through? What if we let Him choose us? It seems God is not particularly picky - Jesus said that the stones would cry out to glorify Him if the people didn't (Luke 19:40). In other words, all of us can be used by God to bring Him Glory!
This morning I am encouraged to choose to give value to those who I know, those I am closest too, as able to be used by God! I choose to believe that God could even use me, in spite of my own issues. I choose to believe that God is able to change people's hearts, their minds and even their character and that previous history is not a good indication or limitation of what God can do in the future - and I must include myself in this!
Thank You Lord, that You are about moving in our lives, and You choose to use people like me!
Amen!
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Healing and Wildfire
This morning I am spending some time reflecting on a few verses from Mark's Gospel. Mark tends to cram a bunch of stuff into a few verses, and these are no exception. Here are the verses - Mark 3:1-12 NIV:
[1] "Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. [2] Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. [3] Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
[4] Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
[5] He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. [6] Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus."
[7] "Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. [8] When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. [9] Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. [10] For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. [11] Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” [12] But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him."
The first part of this story is repeated in all three of the synoptic Gospels, so it was seen as a significant event in the Life of Jesus, and was remembered as such. My first thought on reading this was if the man with the shriveled hand was allowed into the synagogue? The Levitical law had several things in it about those that were deformed, etc.
Here is what it says - Leviticus 21:16-19 NIV:
[16] "The Lord said to Moses, [17] “Say to Aaron: 'For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. [18] No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; [19] no man with a crippled foot or hand,"
Now that is specific to the priesthood, and would not bar entry to the synagogue. It does introduce thinking about the way people would think about a man with a shriveled hand, as possibly being rejected by God. We also know that a common thought was that anyone who was crippled or blind was likely that way due to their or their parents sin (See John 9). Thus, this man was likely used to feeling like a second class citizen, or someone that was viewed with contempt or distrust.
As I was doing some research, I came across a time when King Jereboam's hand shriveled when he called for a "Man of God" to be seized for prophesying against the sacrifices being made at the altar. The man of God interceded afterwards and the Kings hand was restored (See 1 Kings 13:1-6). The pharisees and scribes would have been aware of this story too, and were likely uncomfortable with parallels that could be drawn.
Regardless of all the issues and their stubborn hearts, Jesus had mercy on the man who He had asked to stand in front of them all, and healed him in front of them by simply having the man stretch out his arm! Talk about a life-changing event!
Jesus, aware of the efforts to trap Him, didn't even do any work on the Sabbath this time (as compared to John 9, when He made mud and applied it to the eyes of the man born blind). He just gave a command and when the man obeyed he was healed. This must have driven the Pharisees and Herodians crazy, for there was not a single thing they could say that Jesus did wrong, and yet they were clearly the object of Jesus' anger, and saddened heart, for they clearly didn't understand the Father's heart, yet were representing Him (my take on why Jesus was angry).
Finally, this event so captured the attention of the people, that news of Jesus spread like wild-fire to all the surrounding areas, and people came from over 100 miles away. We really can't fully grasp the significance of Jesus ministry. The Jews had been waiting for hundreds of years for their Messiah, a man sent from God to set them free and restore them! Their had been no real prophet for 300+ years, and certainly no one that did miracles since ancient times. The news about Jesus, spread, I think, because of the hope that still existed in the people's hearts. They hoped that God hadn't abandoned them! They hoped that God's word was true, but for the last several generations, that was all they had to hold onto. Suddenly, in Galilee of all places, rumors start flying of a man who heals, and who heals everyone! I imagine the crowds were made up of young people who could make the journey easily, sent to see if the rumors were true; the sick and lame and those that could find someone to help them find Jesus; and those whose hearts were stirred by the Holy Spirit, who felt called to follow this one.
Mark, in his concise description, says that Jesus needed a boat to keep the crowds from pressing in on Him. The reason was simple, He had healed so many that everyone that was sick or disabled was trying to ouch Him, and receive their healing! It wasn't that Jesus didn't want to heal them, it was that He didn't want to be trampled or crushed in scramble One assumes that at some point they all figured out how to handle the crowds in a more orderly fashion. In today's ministries that gather hundreds and thousands they have figured out different approaches, and God in His goodness blesses them so that the majority of people can be touched.
Oh, to see Jesus Glorified in such numbers, to see the Holy Spirit move in power and healing on hundreds and even thousands! That we might once again hear good rumors of God visiting His people, touching and healing, setting them free and delivering them! We long to see Your Name Glorified Jesus! We long to be a part of the advancing of the Kingdom! We long to see Your Name spread like wildfire! Come and set us free from the box we want to put You in, the limitations we want to place on You! Come and show us Your Heart for Your people!
Amen!
[1] "Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. [2] Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. [3] Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
[4] Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
[5] He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. [6] Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus."
[7] "Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. [8] When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. [9] Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. [10] For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. [11] Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” [12] But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him."
The first part of this story is repeated in all three of the synoptic Gospels, so it was seen as a significant event in the Life of Jesus, and was remembered as such. My first thought on reading this was if the man with the shriveled hand was allowed into the synagogue? The Levitical law had several things in it about those that were deformed, etc.
Here is what it says - Leviticus 21:16-19 NIV:
[16] "The Lord said to Moses, [17] “Say to Aaron: 'For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. [18] No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; [19] no man with a crippled foot or hand,"
Now that is specific to the priesthood, and would not bar entry to the synagogue. It does introduce thinking about the way people would think about a man with a shriveled hand, as possibly being rejected by God. We also know that a common thought was that anyone who was crippled or blind was likely that way due to their or their parents sin (See John 9). Thus, this man was likely used to feeling like a second class citizen, or someone that was viewed with contempt or distrust.
As I was doing some research, I came across a time when King Jereboam's hand shriveled when he called for a "Man of God" to be seized for prophesying against the sacrifices being made at the altar. The man of God interceded afterwards and the Kings hand was restored (See 1 Kings 13:1-6). The pharisees and scribes would have been aware of this story too, and were likely uncomfortable with parallels that could be drawn.
Regardless of all the issues and their stubborn hearts, Jesus had mercy on the man who He had asked to stand in front of them all, and healed him in front of them by simply having the man stretch out his arm! Talk about a life-changing event!
Jesus, aware of the efforts to trap Him, didn't even do any work on the Sabbath this time (as compared to John 9, when He made mud and applied it to the eyes of the man born blind). He just gave a command and when the man obeyed he was healed. This must have driven the Pharisees and Herodians crazy, for there was not a single thing they could say that Jesus did wrong, and yet they were clearly the object of Jesus' anger, and saddened heart, for they clearly didn't understand the Father's heart, yet were representing Him (my take on why Jesus was angry).
Finally, this event so captured the attention of the people, that news of Jesus spread like wild-fire to all the surrounding areas, and people came from over 100 miles away. We really can't fully grasp the significance of Jesus ministry. The Jews had been waiting for hundreds of years for their Messiah, a man sent from God to set them free and restore them! Their had been no real prophet for 300+ years, and certainly no one that did miracles since ancient times. The news about Jesus, spread, I think, because of the hope that still existed in the people's hearts. They hoped that God hadn't abandoned them! They hoped that God's word was true, but for the last several generations, that was all they had to hold onto. Suddenly, in Galilee of all places, rumors start flying of a man who heals, and who heals everyone! I imagine the crowds were made up of young people who could make the journey easily, sent to see if the rumors were true; the sick and lame and those that could find someone to help them find Jesus; and those whose hearts were stirred by the Holy Spirit, who felt called to follow this one.
Mark, in his concise description, says that Jesus needed a boat to keep the crowds from pressing in on Him. The reason was simple, He had healed so many that everyone that was sick or disabled was trying to ouch Him, and receive their healing! It wasn't that Jesus didn't want to heal them, it was that He didn't want to be trampled or crushed in scramble One assumes that at some point they all figured out how to handle the crowds in a more orderly fashion. In today's ministries that gather hundreds and thousands they have figured out different approaches, and God in His goodness blesses them so that the majority of people can be touched.
Oh, to see Jesus Glorified in such numbers, to see the Holy Spirit move in power and healing on hundreds and even thousands! That we might once again hear good rumors of God visiting His people, touching and healing, setting them free and delivering them! We long to see Your Name Glorified Jesus! We long to be a part of the advancing of the Kingdom! We long to see Your Name spread like wildfire! Come and set us free from the box we want to put You in, the limitations we want to place on You! Come and show us Your Heart for Your people!
Amen!
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Pressing Forward Into Clouds of Unknowing
This morning, I am reflecting on some verses from Psalm 97:1-6 NIV:
[1] "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
[2] Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
[3] Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.
[4] His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
[5] The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory."
I was struck by the phrase - "Clouds and thick darkness surround him". Lately I have been reflecting on how God takes us past our knowledge, outside of our knowing, and this phrase fits into that theme. We tend to think of how darkness and clouds blind us to what's around us for they obscure what is there. In this case He is the light of the World, and yet we can't really see Him or understand Him fully. There is a sense of unknowing, and that is what I read here. We can't know God fully, we can't fully comprehend what He is doing right in front of our eyes. We can look, and try to understand, try to see, but it is beyond us. We need to be ok with this, for we are limited in our minds, limited in our understanding, and see only partially this side of eternity.
I was thinking it is interesting that we can see the foundations of His throne, and can identify them as righteousness and justice. We hear this earlier in Psalm 89:14 NIV: "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." These two characteristics are obviously key to who God is, and to His Reign. If they are the foundation of His throne, they are the foundation of His reign. He is Pure and Holy and His decisions and judgments are just and true.
When combined with the clouds and thick darkness, it seems to me that god is communicating to us that we may not be able to see and understand all that He is doing, but we can take comfort in knowing that whatever it is, it is right and just. He won't use unjust means to achieve something. He won't allow unrighteousness influence to cloud His judgments. We may not understand from our perspective, but He will be true to His character always.
We like to say "God is good, all the time" and that is necessary because sometimes we can't comprehend what good thing He is doing. We look and even though He is moving and arranging things right in front of us, we can't see or understand the fullness of His activity. Maybe sometimes, He covers Himself in cloud so that we don't misconstrue or misunderstand His intentions and direction because of our limited understanding.
For example. my honey is directionally challenged, and often times does not recognize the way I am driving in our car. Something feels wrong to her and she will ask if I am going in the right direction. Sometimes she even is a bit unsettled and tries to convince me I am going in the wrong direction. I, on the other hand, am not directionally challenged, and the vast majority of the time, I know exactly where we are and have a plan of how to get where we are going. If left to her, she would turn wrong, or just stop the car, unable to move forward for lack of understanding. I think that in the same way, if God revealed everything to us, we would constantly be challenging Him out of our ignorance, uncomfortableness and lack of understanding, and would be unwilling or unable to move.
This morning I am encouraged to trust myself to God's Righteousness and Justice and allow Him to move in ways I don't understand. I can limit God's move in my life by only engaging in what I understand, and that is not something I want to do. I want all of God, all of His plans and purposes to be accomplished in me, even those I don't understand or comprehend. I want to be able to press forward into Him, into the cloud of unknowing, into His love that surpasses understanding and knowledge (Eph 3:19), so that I might "be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Amen and Amen!
[1] "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
[2] Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
[3] Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.
[4] His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
[5] The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory."
I was struck by the phrase - "Clouds and thick darkness surround him". Lately I have been reflecting on how God takes us past our knowledge, outside of our knowing, and this phrase fits into that theme. We tend to think of how darkness and clouds blind us to what's around us for they obscure what is there. In this case He is the light of the World, and yet we can't really see Him or understand Him fully. There is a sense of unknowing, and that is what I read here. We can't know God fully, we can't fully comprehend what He is doing right in front of our eyes. We can look, and try to understand, try to see, but it is beyond us. We need to be ok with this, for we are limited in our minds, limited in our understanding, and see only partially this side of eternity.
I was thinking it is interesting that we can see the foundations of His throne, and can identify them as righteousness and justice. We hear this earlier in Psalm 89:14 NIV: "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." These two characteristics are obviously key to who God is, and to His Reign. If they are the foundation of His throne, they are the foundation of His reign. He is Pure and Holy and His decisions and judgments are just and true.
When combined with the clouds and thick darkness, it seems to me that god is communicating to us that we may not be able to see and understand all that He is doing, but we can take comfort in knowing that whatever it is, it is right and just. He won't use unjust means to achieve something. He won't allow unrighteousness influence to cloud His judgments. We may not understand from our perspective, but He will be true to His character always.
We like to say "God is good, all the time" and that is necessary because sometimes we can't comprehend what good thing He is doing. We look and even though He is moving and arranging things right in front of us, we can't see or understand the fullness of His activity. Maybe sometimes, He covers Himself in cloud so that we don't misconstrue or misunderstand His intentions and direction because of our limited understanding.
For example. my honey is directionally challenged, and often times does not recognize the way I am driving in our car. Something feels wrong to her and she will ask if I am going in the right direction. Sometimes she even is a bit unsettled and tries to convince me I am going in the wrong direction. I, on the other hand, am not directionally challenged, and the vast majority of the time, I know exactly where we are and have a plan of how to get where we are going. If left to her, she would turn wrong, or just stop the car, unable to move forward for lack of understanding. I think that in the same way, if God revealed everything to us, we would constantly be challenging Him out of our ignorance, uncomfortableness and lack of understanding, and would be unwilling or unable to move.
This morning I am encouraged to trust myself to God's Righteousness and Justice and allow Him to move in ways I don't understand. I can limit God's move in my life by only engaging in what I understand, and that is not something I want to do. I want all of God, all of His plans and purposes to be accomplished in me, even those I don't understand or comprehend. I want to be able to press forward into Him, into the cloud of unknowing, into His love that surpasses understanding and knowledge (Eph 3:19), so that I might "be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Amen and Amen!
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Rooted In Love, Filled With Power, For His Glory
This morning I felt like reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I love His letters and always am reminded of the Lord's purposes and plans, when I read Paul. I am reflecting on pretty much the whole of the third chapter this morning, letting his words resonate in me. Here are the verses - Ephesians 3:2-21 NIV:
[2] "Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, [3] that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. [4] In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. [6] This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
[7] "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. [8] Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, [9] and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. [10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. [12] In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."
[14] "For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
[20] "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
I was just reflecting on the responsibility that Paul must have felt, know he was called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, to be the bearer of insight into the mystery of God, revealed now through him and the rest of the Apostles. I imagine there must have been a strong assurance, on one hand, and great fear and trembling on the other, for who could comprehend the power and plan required to be the bearer of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul calls it "this grace was given me", and this represents a critical point - this is a gift. Paul didn't earn this gift, clearly, and he wasn't someone who had trained his whole life with this in mind, although God clearly used his previous training for His own (God's) glory. Paul's life was interrupted by the Lord, and the course of his lie was radically changed. Paul, in spite of this, saw this all as a great gift. Paul writes the following concerning his previous life path - Philippians 3:4-9 NIV:
[4] "..though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
"If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."
[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
Paul, who had so much, who was trained Pharisee, considered all of His past as garbage when compared with the opportunity to know Christ Jesus. He understood the supreme value of relationship with Jesus.
In regards to this mystery (See verses 7-13 from 3 Ephesians), it become that which drove Paul to prayer for all the churches that he was planting and encouraging. He was moved to prayer, praying that they might be filled with God's power and rooted in His Love. What a great prayer! Rooted in Love, filled with Power. Rooted, as in it being your foundation and source of all, in Love. It is from this root of Love, and through this root of love that Power then flows. Power without love, would be dangerous, and we see that everyday in people who have power in the world, but are not connected to the Love of God.
Finally, this understanding and foundation, opens to us the possibility of knowing God in the fullest possible way! Paul says this love surpasses knowledge, as in it is beyond knowledge, greater than knowledge. It is in knowing God's love that we step into greater revelation than that which is available through study and teaching. In other words, we must experience God's love for ourselves. We are called to step past our minds and allow God to open to us a realm of power and revelation that is only accessible through relationship.
God's plans and desires for us are beyond our comprehension and imagination. We an imagine much, but we can't possibly fully understand and see the masterful interconnecting, intertwining, impact that our lives will have in this world, through God's empowering. We must rely on the His guidance through Holy Spirit! God plans to be glorified through us, and that ought to fill us with great assurance and great fear and trembling!
Lord, that You might be rightfully glorified through my life, through my words, and through my actions! Help me to be rooted in Love, and filled with Your power, to understand the greatness of Your love! Amen!
[2] "Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, [3] that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. [4] In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. [6] This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
[7] "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. [8] Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, [9] and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. [10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. [12] In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."
[14] "For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
[20] "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
I was just reflecting on the responsibility that Paul must have felt, know he was called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, to be the bearer of insight into the mystery of God, revealed now through him and the rest of the Apostles. I imagine there must have been a strong assurance, on one hand, and great fear and trembling on the other, for who could comprehend the power and plan required to be the bearer of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul calls it "this grace was given me", and this represents a critical point - this is a gift. Paul didn't earn this gift, clearly, and he wasn't someone who had trained his whole life with this in mind, although God clearly used his previous training for His own (God's) glory. Paul's life was interrupted by the Lord, and the course of his lie was radically changed. Paul, in spite of this, saw this all as a great gift. Paul writes the following concerning his previous life path - Philippians 3:4-9 NIV:
[4] "..though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
"If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."
[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
Paul, who had so much, who was trained Pharisee, considered all of His past as garbage when compared with the opportunity to know Christ Jesus. He understood the supreme value of relationship with Jesus.
In regards to this mystery (See verses 7-13 from 3 Ephesians), it become that which drove Paul to prayer for all the churches that he was planting and encouraging. He was moved to prayer, praying that they might be filled with God's power and rooted in His Love. What a great prayer! Rooted in Love, filled with Power. Rooted, as in it being your foundation and source of all, in Love. It is from this root of Love, and through this root of love that Power then flows. Power without love, would be dangerous, and we see that everyday in people who have power in the world, but are not connected to the Love of God.
Finally, this understanding and foundation, opens to us the possibility of knowing God in the fullest possible way! Paul says this love surpasses knowledge, as in it is beyond knowledge, greater than knowledge. It is in knowing God's love that we step into greater revelation than that which is available through study and teaching. In other words, we must experience God's love for ourselves. We are called to step past our minds and allow God to open to us a realm of power and revelation that is only accessible through relationship.
God's plans and desires for us are beyond our comprehension and imagination. We an imagine much, but we can't possibly fully understand and see the masterful interconnecting, intertwining, impact that our lives will have in this world, through God's empowering. We must rely on the His guidance through Holy Spirit! God plans to be glorified through us, and that ought to fill us with great assurance and great fear and trembling!
Lord, that You might be rightfully glorified through my life, through my words, and through my actions! Help me to be rooted in Love, and filled with Your power, to understand the greatness of Your love! Amen!
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Staying in the Stream
This morning I am going back to a set of verses I have been praying over myself - from Paul's letter to the Colossians 1:9-14 NIV:
[9] "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
My prayer has been that I would be more aware of the Holy Spirit throughout my day, as I tend to lose focus on Him as I get caught up in the day to day busyness of my job. I have been convicted, in a good way, of my greater need and sensitivity to His direction, guidance and revelation.
Life is so much better when we learn to walk in intimacy with the one who sees all and knows all, and has a plan and purpose for our lives. He will lead us and guide us because He wants us to succeed! He will help us because He loves us, and calls us His sons and daughters. He will guide us, because He wants to use us to speak life and bring life to those in need, those who don't know Him, those that need to hear of His love.
Yes, Holy Spirit, help me to be attentive today, and help me to walk in the stream of Your presence, and Your guidance!
[9] "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
My prayer has been that I would be more aware of the Holy Spirit throughout my day, as I tend to lose focus on Him as I get caught up in the day to day busyness of my job. I have been convicted, in a good way, of my greater need and sensitivity to His direction, guidance and revelation.
Life is so much better when we learn to walk in intimacy with the one who sees all and knows all, and has a plan and purpose for our lives. He will lead us and guide us because He wants us to succeed! He will help us because He loves us, and calls us His sons and daughters. He will guide us, because He wants to use us to speak life and bring life to those in need, those who don't know Him, those that need to hear of His love.
Yes, Holy Spirit, help me to be attentive today, and help me to walk in the stream of Your presence, and Your guidance!
Sunday, July 7, 2019
For the Common Good
This morning I am reflecting on verses from Paul's letter to the 1 Corinthians 12:1,3-11 NIV:
[1] "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. [3] Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit."
[4] "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. [7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
Verses 4-6 caught my eye this morning, and I thought I would do bit more research. The words used here are a bit limiting. The Greek words would be more commonly translated Charisms (gifts), Ministries, and results or works. Verse 7 is key - in that it tells why they are given, namely "for the common good". In other words, all of these ministries and gifts, works and manifestations are for the good of each other, of the greater Body of Christ. The phrase "For the common good", is translated from the Greek word sumphero, which could also be defined as follows:
1) to bear or bring together
2) to bear together or at the same time
a) to carry with others
b) to collect or contribute in order to help
c) to help, be profitable, be expedient
Thus, the common good, should be understood in a richer context. It means to bear together, to carry with others, in order to help and bring about profit, or maybe we could say more fruit. There is a community perspective here, a willingness to help and share, to carry and distribute. I am reminded of the distribution of funds that occurred early in Acts (see Acts 4:32-35), and I believe this is a similar perspective, but in this case it is how God means for us to respond to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are supposed to share the load, help each other carry and distribute, ad this relates to ministries, gifts, workings and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. All of this is for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ.
Paul writes this same thing in his letter tot he church in Ephesus - Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV:
[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
We often stop with verse 11, but it is verse 12 that tells us why Christ gave us the Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, it was to equip His people (us) for works of service (which is the same Greek word used in 1 Cor 12:5). There is this whole perspective that we are meant to lift each other up, to encourage one another, to cheer each other on, and its for our own good! All of the Holy Spirit stuff, meaning the gifts, manifestations, ministries and works, are meant to help us grow and mature, and meant to benefit us all! God is about forming and maturing His Body here on earth, and we need to learn to be for each other, understanding that we need every church, every believer, every gift, every ministry, every result!!!
Lord, I pray that You will open our ears and hearts to this message of unity and common good. Help us to be for our brothers and sisters, lifting them up and encouraging them in all the unique ways You are at work! Lord, help us to be for each other, all the parts of Your Body!
Amen!
[1] "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. [3] Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit."
[4] "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. [7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
Verses 4-6 caught my eye this morning, and I thought I would do bit more research. The words used here are a bit limiting. The Greek words would be more commonly translated Charisms (gifts), Ministries, and results or works. Verse 7 is key - in that it tells why they are given, namely "for the common good". In other words, all of these ministries and gifts, works and manifestations are for the good of each other, of the greater Body of Christ. The phrase "For the common good", is translated from the Greek word sumphero, which could also be defined as follows:
1) to bear or bring together
2) to bear together or at the same time
a) to carry with others
b) to collect or contribute in order to help
c) to help, be profitable, be expedient
Thus, the common good, should be understood in a richer context. It means to bear together, to carry with others, in order to help and bring about profit, or maybe we could say more fruit. There is a community perspective here, a willingness to help and share, to carry and distribute. I am reminded of the distribution of funds that occurred early in Acts (see Acts 4:32-35), and I believe this is a similar perspective, but in this case it is how God means for us to respond to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are supposed to share the load, help each other carry and distribute, ad this relates to ministries, gifts, workings and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. All of this is for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ.
Paul writes this same thing in his letter tot he church in Ephesus - Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV:
[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
We often stop with verse 11, but it is verse 12 that tells us why Christ gave us the Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, it was to equip His people (us) for works of service (which is the same Greek word used in 1 Cor 12:5). There is this whole perspective that we are meant to lift each other up, to encourage one another, to cheer each other on, and its for our own good! All of the Holy Spirit stuff, meaning the gifts, manifestations, ministries and works, are meant to help us grow and mature, and meant to benefit us all! God is about forming and maturing His Body here on earth, and we need to learn to be for each other, understanding that we need every church, every believer, every gift, every ministry, every result!!!
Lord, I pray that You will open our ears and hearts to this message of unity and common good. Help us to be for our brothers and sisters, lifting them up and encouraging them in all the unique ways You are at work! Lord, help us to be for each other, all the parts of Your Body!
Amen!
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Be In Me Lord!
This morning as I was starting to pray the thought ran through my mind that I walk through my days with Jesus as my friend, but it seems like it is all an external friendship. I don't feel, nor am I conscious of the Lord being in me (that vast majority of the time). I believe there is more than what I have been living in, and experiencing, and I am desirous of more, Lord. Help me to surrender myself more fully to You! Help me to listen to You and follow that which You tell me to do!
This morning, in light of this, I have been rereading some of John's Gospel from chapter 14 to chapter 17. Such good stuff and so many promises! Lord, help me to grasp and hold onto Your promises, that I might live up to who I am called to be in You!
Promises:
John 14:10-14 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."
John 14:23-27 NIV:
[23] "Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [24] Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. [25] “All this I have spoken while still with you."
[26] "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 15:7-17 NIV:
[7] 'If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
[9] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. [10] If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. [11] I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. [12] My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit---fruit that will last---and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. [17] This is my command: Love each other."
John 16:12-15 NIV:
[12] “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. [13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [14] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
John 16:23-28 NIV:
[23] "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. [24] Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."
[25] “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. [26] In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. [27] No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [28] I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Finally - John 17:20-26 NIV:
[20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--- [23] I in them and you in me---so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Amen to all of these promises in my life! Help me to embrace and belief and walk in these. I desire a greater filling, a greater outpouring, a greater anointing, that I might bring You glory, the Glory that is due You! Help me to live my life in unity with You! Help me to be fully consumed, fully engaged, fully aware of all You have for me and desire to do through me!
Amen and Amen!
This morning, in light of this, I have been rereading some of John's Gospel from chapter 14 to chapter 17. Such good stuff and so many promises! Lord, help me to grasp and hold onto Your promises, that I might live up to who I am called to be in You!
Promises:
John 14:10-14 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."
John 14:23-27 NIV:
[23] "Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [24] Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. [25] “All this I have spoken while still with you."
[26] "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 15:7-17 NIV:
[7] 'If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
[9] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. [10] If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. [11] I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. [12] My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit---fruit that will last---and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. [17] This is my command: Love each other."
John 16:12-15 NIV:
[12] “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. [13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [14] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
John 16:23-28 NIV:
[23] "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. [24] Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."
[25] “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. [26] In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. [27] No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [28] I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Finally - John 17:20-26 NIV:
[20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--- [23] I in them and you in me---so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Amen to all of these promises in my life! Help me to embrace and belief and walk in these. I desire a greater filling, a greater outpouring, a greater anointing, that I might bring You glory, the Glory that is due You! Help me to live my life in unity with You! Help me to be fully consumed, fully engaged, fully aware of all You have for me and desire to do through me!
Amen and Amen!
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Its Not About Me
I am continuing my reflection from yesterday, looking at the next few verses after the man with withered legs was healed.
Acts 3:11-16 NIV:
[11] "While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. [12] When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? [13] The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. [14] You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. [15] You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. [16] By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see."
I love Peter's response, "why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we made this man walk?" What a great reminder to us all, its not in us, and not from us, but only through God's grace working through us, that we are able to do anything to further the Kingdom of God! So many good and well meaning people have slowly been convinced that it is something special about them that allows God to work through them. Other equally well-meaning people are quick to assume that there is something special about certain individuals, and participate in pastor/leader/prophet worship. This is all misguided and dangerous.
Other than relationship with Him, we have nothing special. Our relationship is the result of His initiative. Our gifts are from Him. Our ability to walk in obedience and do the things He shows us, comes from Him. It is the Holy Spirit, in us and flowing out of us that does the works! We are nothing more than a relational conduit for the power of God, and the gifting of God, to flow. This is no way reduces His love for us, or His desire to be in relationship with us, but is simply a recognition of where the power, authority and will to act comes from.
I am encouraged today to look to Him, to open myself to Him, to recognize that all the good in me is from Him. Lord, help me to give You the glory and honor You deserve! Help me to look to You for direction, guidance and equipping. Its not about me, its about You!
Acts 3:11-16 NIV:
[11] "While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. [12] When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? [13] The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. [14] You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. [15] You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. [16] By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see."
I love Peter's response, "why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we made this man walk?" What a great reminder to us all, its not in us, and not from us, but only through God's grace working through us, that we are able to do anything to further the Kingdom of God! So many good and well meaning people have slowly been convinced that it is something special about them that allows God to work through them. Other equally well-meaning people are quick to assume that there is something special about certain individuals, and participate in pastor/leader/prophet worship. This is all misguided and dangerous.
Other than relationship with Him, we have nothing special. Our relationship is the result of His initiative. Our gifts are from Him. Our ability to walk in obedience and do the things He shows us, comes from Him. It is the Holy Spirit, in us and flowing out of us that does the works! We are nothing more than a relational conduit for the power of God, and the gifting of God, to flow. This is no way reduces His love for us, or His desire to be in relationship with us, but is simply a recognition of where the power, authority and will to act comes from.
I am encouraged today to look to Him, to open myself to Him, to recognize that all the good in me is from Him. Lord, help me to give You the glory and honor You deserve! Help me to look to You for direction, guidance and equipping. Its not about me, its about You!
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
What Do I Have??
This morning I am reflecting on some verses from Acts 3:2-8 NIV:
[2] "Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them."
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."
I love this story, and this morning my question is do I have the same relationship and authority as Peter did? That is what he "had" that he gave to the crippled man. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (See Acts 2) and he had experienced that powerful infilling. They were encouraged and seeing fruit borne from their prayers, from their preaching, from their fellowship. They had walked with Jesus, been encouraged by Jesus, been corrected by Jesus, and were loved by Jesus. He was gone to heaven, but they were clear about their role as His followers. They walked in constant relationship with the Holy Spirit, and were now Jesus' representatives on earth.
In my life, I could say most the same things are true, although to a lesser extent. So my question - to me - is why do I struggle in prayer, in following Jesus, in seeing prayers answered, in just being a good representative of Jesus, in bearing Jesus with me and walking in His authority?
I think my biggest issue is distraction and focus. I saw a quote the other day by some famous man of God, saying something like 'I need to be reminded every day of my salvation, because every day I forget I am saved'. That probably isn't an accurate quote, but it struck me as true, at least in my life. I can be fully focused on the Lord in prayer and reflection, and once I start my work day, forget that time of fellowship and relationship and barely think about Him again. I find myself walking right by people who are in need of Jesus, and I don't even think of Him, or realize that I am His representative now. I am often so focused on my own stuff, that I forget that I have a greater purpose in Him.
Going back to the story, as a beggar, the crippled man would hope that someone actually noticed Him, for in eye contact, one is confronted with the need. That is the reason panhandlers, and those that hold signs at intersections look at the cars, they are trying to establish eye contact! As we sit in our cars, we work hard to ignore their need, trying not to look their direction, to expose ourselves to their need. In this story, it was Peter and John who told the man to look at them, and I am sure he was a bit surprised, and clearly expected to receive something from these two men. They were confident in what they did have, although they had no money, they had Holy Spirit, who was their help to Glorify Jesus! They knew Jesus, they knew He healed those that came to Him, those that needed healing, and so they extended healing in His name, for they represented Him!
Oh Lord, that I might remember who I am, whose I am, and who I am filled with! That I might be Your representative to a needy world, to those I see, to those I encounter! Help me to remember every day, and all day long! Help me to bring Glory to Your Name! Help me remember that I have You!
[2] "Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them."
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."
I love this story, and this morning my question is do I have the same relationship and authority as Peter did? That is what he "had" that he gave to the crippled man. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (See Acts 2) and he had experienced that powerful infilling. They were encouraged and seeing fruit borne from their prayers, from their preaching, from their fellowship. They had walked with Jesus, been encouraged by Jesus, been corrected by Jesus, and were loved by Jesus. He was gone to heaven, but they were clear about their role as His followers. They walked in constant relationship with the Holy Spirit, and were now Jesus' representatives on earth.
In my life, I could say most the same things are true, although to a lesser extent. So my question - to me - is why do I struggle in prayer, in following Jesus, in seeing prayers answered, in just being a good representative of Jesus, in bearing Jesus with me and walking in His authority?
I think my biggest issue is distraction and focus. I saw a quote the other day by some famous man of God, saying something like 'I need to be reminded every day of my salvation, because every day I forget I am saved'. That probably isn't an accurate quote, but it struck me as true, at least in my life. I can be fully focused on the Lord in prayer and reflection, and once I start my work day, forget that time of fellowship and relationship and barely think about Him again. I find myself walking right by people who are in need of Jesus, and I don't even think of Him, or realize that I am His representative now. I am often so focused on my own stuff, that I forget that I have a greater purpose in Him.
Going back to the story, as a beggar, the crippled man would hope that someone actually noticed Him, for in eye contact, one is confronted with the need. That is the reason panhandlers, and those that hold signs at intersections look at the cars, they are trying to establish eye contact! As we sit in our cars, we work hard to ignore their need, trying not to look their direction, to expose ourselves to their need. In this story, it was Peter and John who told the man to look at them, and I am sure he was a bit surprised, and clearly expected to receive something from these two men. They were confident in what they did have, although they had no money, they had Holy Spirit, who was their help to Glorify Jesus! They knew Jesus, they knew He healed those that came to Him, those that needed healing, and so they extended healing in His name, for they represented Him!
Oh Lord, that I might remember who I am, whose I am, and who I am filled with! That I might be Your representative to a needy world, to those I see, to those I encounter! Help me to remember every day, and all day long! Help me to bring Glory to Your Name! Help me remember that I have You!
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