Danger! Reciprocity Ahead!

This morning I am continuing reading from where I left off yesterday reading Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Mount.  This sermon is so full of content that one could probably write several books just examining the basic principles the Jesus covers, not to mention all the nuances and deeper themes.  Today I am looking at just a couple of verses - Luke 6:37-38 NIV:

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I think if we have heard these verses previously, we probably heard a sermon preached on verse 38, and not likely verse 37, or at least that would be my normal approach, focusing on the positive, the uplifting and optimistic, instead of those that sound serious, and require some soul-searching.  I am always one to interject some humor into serious conversations.  

Jesus just makes it very clear here, that there is some level of reciprocity in our lives, that depends on our actions, and in this case what could be deemed negative reciprocity.  He is very clear in His statement “DO NOT JUDGE”.  There are no conditions here, there is no allowance for a level of knowledge about a situation, our command is simple, “do not judge”!

I know there are other verses in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians that talk about judgment, and people use them to bolster their judging ways, but I am pretty sure Jesus can’t be any clearer here. I see the danger of judging others, for I never know the full story, instead I think I know their motivation, their reasons, and I judge without ever hearing or even wanting to hear or see more about their life and circumstances.  My judgment is always marred by my lack of knowledge!  

Secondly, Jesus continues, “Do not judge and you will not be judged!”  All I can say is that there must be a bunch of sinless people who are not afraid of being judged!  If we read about judgment in any book of the New Testament, besides 1 Corinthians, it is clear that God is the only one who can judge fairly, and that will be His role on “Judgment” day.  I prefer to cling to the second half of this statement by Jesus, that the grace, mercy and humility I extend to  others might be extended to me!  

Jesus continues, “do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.”  While similar in meaning, I believe this is related to the sentencing of the one who is judged guilty.  This is taking judgment to the next level, ascribing punishment accordingly.  If we are unable to judge correctly, how are we ever to think we can sentence someone correctly?

I am reminded of a few verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans 14:10-13 NIV:

[10] “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 

[11] It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” 

[12] So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. [13] Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

Oh Lord forgive me for anytime I have judged or condemned someone!  I pray that I might take my place in humility, knowing full well that I am not worthy to judge or condemn anyone!  I pray that You might help me to forgive others, to plead mercy not judgment!  I pray that I might extend to others that which has been extended to me!  

Amen!

On The Contrary

This morning I felt led to read from Roman's 12, which is a great chapter, one that I have spent plenty of time reading and reflecting on, especially the first two thirds of the chapter. Today the verses that stood out to me were at the end of the chapter, Romans 12:17-21 NIV:

[17] “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

[20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

These verses are quite challenging, for they certainly are opposite most of our natural inclinations. We want to “fight fire with fire” and respond in-kind when someone is acting against us. The last thing we want to do is bless our enemies, feeding them or caring for them, and yet that is clearly the guidance and invitation we are given.  

Waiting on God to avenge us is a difficult thing, because we want to see punishment meted out! When someone hurts us, we want to see them hurt that same way, and yet that is not the way of the Kingdom of God. 

We are called to forgive, to bless, to pray for those who wound us, hurt us or have evil intentions against us. Jesus spoke about this and then provided us a perfect example through His passion and death. 

These all are contrary to our normal response, and that is why Paul, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, writes this here. We need to know that we are called to a different response.

Jesus in His sermon on the mount, introduced this theme and I am sure it was contrary to how people thought. Here are the verses from Matthew 5:38-48 NIV:

[38] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” 

[43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” 

These words of Jesus are the foundation upon which Paul builds. Even though Paul wasn’t present when Jesus spoke these words, his revelation was equally clear. As Christian’s we are supposed to respond differently than the world. Our invited response, as difficult as it is to embrace, is clear. We are to act differently than those around us, to be Holy (set apart). 

This call, this invitation is not just us about our actions, but our words and intentions even. We are supposed to pray for those against us, to bless instead of curse (Luke 6:28), to love in words and actions.  

I find that the temptation to engage in verbal volleys is rampant in our world today. As the church, we are invited to take a different approach. As Paul wrote, “overcome evil with good”!

My prayer is that we might embrace this contrary way! I pray that we might not get caught up in the swirl of the political spirit. I pray that we might accept this invitation to love, and bless and pray for those who would seek to harm us individually, or the Body of Christ. I pray that we might present to the world a response that represents the character of God, the one who has mercy, grace, compassion, love and forgiveness for all!  

Oh Lord, help us!

Amen!  

New & Renewed Mind

This morning I am reminded of something I was thinking about last evening, the idea of God’s complete healing. What I mean by this is that when God heals, He often does such a complete healing work that there is nothing left of the old condition or any of its effects. One could say that the people and their lives were transformed. In scripture Paul writes about us becoming a new creation when we receive Christ, and I think the idea of complete healing is a sign pointing to the greater spiritual reality. I was reminded of a couple of different healing stories from Scripture that demonstrate this complete healing, restoration and new creation.

In John 9, Jesus heals a blind man, who is so transformed that people don't believe it is him. Here are a couple of verses - John 9:6-9 NIV:

[6] “After saying this, he [Jesus] spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. [7] “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 

[8] His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” [9] Some claimed that he was. 

Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” 

But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”

I might be reading into this, but the fact that people didn’t recognize the formerly blind man says to me that his outward appearance was changed, but so was his character and way of acting. While this one is understandable, we need to know that the blind were essentially beggers, looked down upon, for as we see earlier in the chapter, the common thought was that their blindness was the result of sin. Blind beggers were likely some of the lowliest in society, and certainly not righteous, nor allowed in the Temple Sanctuary (see Lev. 21)

This man was so transformed, that people didn’t recognize him. In fact they called his parents as witnesses because they just couldn’t believe how different he was! When he was called before the Pharisees he not only stood his ground, but was accused of lecturing them! He went from begger to lecturer in an instant! :-)

The second story is found in Acts 3, where the man born lame was healed and transformed in an instant through the name of Jesus. Here are the verses - Acts 3:6-10 NIV:

[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. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

This man’s body, brain and nervous system were all healed in an instant. Someone who is born lame, means that they were never able to move naturally, and in this case the man was carried every day and placed outside the temple to beg (See verse 2). He was clearly unable to walk which means his brain never developed in the area needed to walk. Not only were the muscles atrophied, but his ligaments, and tendons were most likely all shriveled. Additionally the nerve pathways required for walking and jumping had certainly never developed. In an instant his legs, ankles and feet were completely healed, as was nervous system and nerve pathways and brain function were created anew in him.

This time people could recognize him. What was transformative was his ability to enter the courts and temple itself! I think some of his joy was the result that his healing meant he could enter the temple! He was not longer lame, no longer under any restrictions. 

Again, this man was completely transformed! I believe these two healings represent the reality that Paul was speaking about in his letter to the Romans 12:1-2 NIV:

[1] “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

What I love about this, is the fact that this is available to all of us! Not only can we learn to think differently, we can see the complete renewal of our mind and even our brains!  

It is my conjecture that this man born lame, didn’t have a limp, nor did the man born blind have any of the vestiges of his blindness so complete was their healing! 

This gives some additional meaning to Paul’s statement found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

What a great promise! We are a new creation! I pray that we might experience the fullness of this promise, the fullness of God’s redemption, healing, deliverance, reconciliation and restoration!  

Yes Lord! Heal us completely! Make us new! Give us renewed or new minds! Rewire our brains, change us so completely that those who knew us before would question as to whether we really were the old person! 

Amen and Amen!

Am I Salty?

This morning I was reading through Matthew, Chapter 5 and ran across a few verses that I have reflected on in the past, and I took some time to reread those reflections. Here are the original verses from Matthew 5:13-16 NIV:

[13] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The last three verses were the Gospel for our wedding ceremony, and they have been verses that have been a focus for us throughout our life. The one that grabbed my attention this morning was verse 13, speaking of us as the "salt of the earth".  

Salt is an interesting topic and I have written about it several times, for it does come up in Scripture with some regularity. There was even something called a Salt Covenant, and I have spent some time looking at that, and other “salt” verses.  

Today as I read this verse, I am just reminded again of how the Church, the Body of Christ is supposed to stand out, to be different from the rest of the world. We are supposed to be the “Salt of the Earth”. 

We have an old saying that someone is “Salt of the earth” and that generally means that they are just fundamentally good people, honest, hardworking, reliable, etc. While those are praise-worthy, I think the Lord was speaking about a bit more than good wholesome character. His next words, point that out in how He says we should be the “light of the world”. Again, we could try and paint a picture of this being similar, just being a light of goodness to those around us, and while that is admirable, I think it again sells short the meaning that Jesus is pointing to in this His most significant teaching, as veritable constitution of the Kingdom!

I believe that in both cases, Jesus is saying that we should be different, and this is for a reason. Jesus specifically says if salt loses its saltiness it is good for nothing. A light that is hidden does no good either (verse 15), and it is meant to be seen.   

The question in my mind today is how is the Church, the Body of Christ different than the world? How is our light supposed to shine? What is supposed to differentiate us from others or from the world?

Jesus, in His last discourse found in John, speaks quite clearly about what is supposed to differentiate us, it is supposed to be our love for one another! Here are His words, found in John 13:34-35 NIV:

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

What's our salt, or our light supposed to be?  

Our love for one another! 

In case we aren’t clear, this isn’t some emotional good feeling type of love, this is love defined by Jesus as loving the way He loved, sacrificially, serving and in humility (see verse 34).

So my questions to myself today is “Am I salty, and am I a light, and am I demonstrating the Love of God for my friends, family, and everyone I meet?  

Do people walk away from meeting me thinking, “He sure was different in a good way!”?  

Do people feel loved by me?  

Do I love people the way that Jesus loves them?

All good questions, and all ones that I know I can work on! I pray that I might be “Salty” and that in that people might see the Love of Christ directed towards them! I want to be a light pointing to and reflecting Jesus’ love!

Help me Lord, for I am too often saltless and and dim!

Lord help us to consider our ways, to look at our lives and to choose to be different in a good, salty way!

Amen and Amen!

The Priesthood of the Believer - You and Me

Yesterday, I started meditating on a theme of the Priesthood of the believer and due to the effects of my allergy medicine I wasn't able to finish.  Ragweed is no fun! 

Anyway, the verses that comes to mind first when I think about the Priesthood of the believer is found in 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV:

[9] “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

This passage makes clear that this is not he call of just some people in the body of Christ, some 2% of the overall who are called to professional ministry, but rather speaks to all, to every believer.  We have our citizenship in His Kingdom, we are members of His Body, we are all called out, and joined to Him.  This Holy Nation, Royal Priesthood is all of our identity, from greatest to smallest, young to old, man or woman.

To often in our expression of Christianity, we find a model that does not represent these verses well.  We have professional ministers and volunteers who have been called out or identified to aid in the ministry, while the majority of the congregants are merely participants, or observers. Some say its an 80/20 rule, whee 20 percent of the people are engaged, but I think the percentage of people actually engaged in active ministry is much smaller in the overall church.

I believe that all of our invitations are to active priestly ministry. 

If we had that understanding and belief, I think we would encounter a very different church!  Imagine if walking into a church for the first time, if you were met, and greeted, invited, ministered to, and impacted by the person sitting next to you, or the person who created you at the door!  Oh that our greeters would be as effective ministers as our preachers and teachers!  It is totally possible for God to use us, to call us to minister in whatever role or position we find ourselves.  

I am reminded of a couple of unlikely “priests” who didn’t serve as priests, but rather in lowly positions.  One is Brother Andre Bressette from Montreal Canada.  He was not a professional minister he was the doorman at the college.  A few quick notes about him -  “after struggling academically, he was admitted to the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1870 and took the name Brother André. He was given the simple task of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College, where he answered the door, welcomed visitors, and performed other menial tasks.  Over time, people began to confide in him and ask for prayers. He gained a reputation for having a gift of healing, and many people were cured of their ailments after he prayed with them.”

The other individual that came to mind was Brother Lawrence.  After leaving his life of soldiering, he joined a monastery.  “He spent the rest of his life with the Parisian community, where his primary assignments were working in the kitchen and, in his later years, repairing sandals. He carried out this office of cook until his leg became ulcerated, at which point his superiors assigned him an easier task, as sandal maker. Gradually, the influence of the humble sandal-maker grew, not only among the poor. Many learned people, religious and ecclesiastics had esteem for him as well.  Despite his lowly position in life and the priory, his character attracted many to him. He had a reputation for experiencing profound peace and visitors came to seek spiritual guidance from him.”

Both of these men had beautiful ministries that represented Christ to the people around them.  They were never professional ministers in the normal sense, and yet they embraced the ministry that was available to them, affecting the lives of countless people from their roles of doorman, or sandal maker. 

We all have this same opportunity both in church, as well as in our day to day life! We are called and invited to represent Christ Jesus in our daily lives, not just on Sunday.  We can learn to love as He loved, to case for individuals as He did, and be present to people in their need and in their daily life.  We can learn to hear from Jesus for them, see them as Jesus sees them and walk empowered lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, ministering to those we meet every day. 

Paul writes a great encouragement to all of us in 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NIV:

[17] “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

The “we” in verse points back to verse 17, the “anyone who is in Christ” which is all who believe. We are all ambassadors, or sent ones.  We are all minister of reconciliation, bringing people back to God, revealing to them the Love of God.  We don’t need to be ordained, licensed or given some other form of official recognition, this is the call and invitation to all believers. 

My encouragement today is to keep my eyes and ears open for the opportunities that present themselves throughout the day!  Lord help me to stay “in” You, to clothe myself with You (Rom 13:14) and Your Love, so that people might meet You, and see You when they encounter me!  Help me to embrace my position, my role, my job, and recognize that You can use me right where I am, whether that is a doorman, a dish washer, a sandal maker or a salesman. 

Thank You Lord for Your call and invitation to represent You through my life, through my words, and through my actions.

Amen!

Pure Joy of Embracing Trials and Testing?

This morning I felt like revisiting a reflection I had about 10 years ago, that dealt with seasons of trials and difficulty.  It seemed very timely of late, so I have revisited it and updated it slightly.  It originally was posted June 29, 2015. 

I am reading from the letter of James.  I am always challenged when reading his letter, for he is very practical and has a very specific perspective.  I am thinking about the following verses - James 1:2-8 NIV:

[2] "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

First, his opening sentence is one that I just don't like to read.  I would like to be instantly mature and complete, and not go through any process of growing, for that is really what James is talking about here, a maturation process.  The testing and perseverance produce maturity and completeness and that is what happens when we grow naturally.  We see this process used in schools, educational programs and training of all sorts. The same process is used by the Lord to grow us, and while we generally think of trials as bad, I think we could easily replace trials with experiences or testing and have exactly the same meaning.   We can be tested by good things as well as by bad, especially as it relates to our faith and relationship with the Lord.

There is plenty of teaching out there that associates experiencing good things with God's approval, and bad things with God's punishment, but here James takes a different approach that is more helpful and healthy.  He effectively says we should embrace trials of many kinds because they bring about our maturation, which is good for our overall health and well-being, and our faith.  The point is that God uses many things to enable us to grow.  Ultimately what He (God) wants is for us to gain His perspective, see our lives from His eyes.  

While James doesn't say that explicitly, this understanding of God's perspective is the wisdom that James is speaking about.  He encourages us to ask, and says God will give wisdom to us generously.  When we face a trial, rather than asking "why me?" maybe we should be asking "what are You wanting me to grow in?"  It seems to me that this means trials are actually opportunities, which is a completely different mind-set than I usually have concerning trials.

Finally, the final three verses have to do with our belief in God.  He speaks of people being double-minded and unstable.  It seems to me the area of doubt and questioning is related to what we think God is like.  A. W. Tozer says that ‘the most important thing is how we think about God’.  Our image of Him and thoughts about God color our whole outlook and perspective.  If we think God is someone who punishes us for bad behaviour, then anything that we don't enjoy in our life causes us to think that God is not pleased with us.  However the author of the Letter to the Hebrews had a completely different take on difficulties and relates them or maybe redefines them as discipline.  Here are two verses taken from section on discipline - Hebrews 12:7-8 NIV:

[7] "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? [8] If you are not disciplined---and everyone undergoes discipline---then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all."

Here we see that difficulties and hardship might actually be used by God as ways to help us grow and mature, because the Father considers us His true sons and daughters.  Rather than Him being angry, it’s the exact opposite.  He sees us as His beloved children and is giving us opportunities to grow and mature.  

He does this because He knows that we are capable of great things and wants us to have the character and strength of relationship to walk into great things and not lose our way.  In fact, the author of Hebrews continues on with the following statement - "...God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness." (Heb12:10b)  He has great plans for us!

So, let us not doubt God's love.  

Let us hold firmly to Him, trusting that all things are for our good, our growth and maturity.  

God is good always, and He has good plans for each of us.  

He is not angry and does not punish us, for all punishment for our sin was already borne by Jesus.  

God desires us to grow and mature, learning to think like Him.  He wants us to embrace life in all its fullness, recognizing that we are His beloved sons and daughters.  Let us not be tossed about by fears and doubts, or think these trials are punishment but let us believe our Father loves us and is going to help us to grow into mature sons and daughters.

Lord help me to change my mindset about trials, testing  and difficulties, that I might see these as opportunities to grow, mature, and encounter Your faithfulness, mercy and love!  I am not sure I can get to "counting them as pure joy", but I can change my mind about the benefits of such times!

Amen!

Stone Fight?

Last night I was reflecting on some stuff that is flying around lately, and I was reminded of the story of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8. 

It is such a  wonderful study in the grace of God, and such an interesting study of our humanity and our tendencies to judge those we know who are sinners.  Here is the story, which is one of my favorites - John 8:2-11 NIV:

[2] “At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. [3] The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. 

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 

[8] Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. [9] At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 

[10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 

[11] “No one, sir,” she said. 

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

In my life I have spent a considerable time reflecting on this story, and every time my heart is moved by two things, the vulnerability of the woman, and Jesus’ response! 

However, the ugly part of the story is the group gathered ready to condemn! It is amazing to me how quickly a group gathers when someone is caught in sin, regardless of the sin, especially when it becomes known publically.

I am not sure what it is in our character and nature, but the idea of someone caught in sin, seems to drive a blood-lust like no other.  The term “sharks to blood” seems applicable.

I think there is something in us that is so relieved that “it isn’t me” that’s been caught, that we forget that we are every bit as much sinners as the next individual.  Jesus lays His finger directly on that idea with His simple statement “”Let any of you who is without sin throw the first stone.”

Secondly, I find it intriquing that it is the Pharisees and teachers of the law that parade the woman in front of Jesus. They are effectively the leaders of the church, the religious ones, and they are all spun up, ready to condemn this woman (one wonders where the man that she was caught with was in all this, but that’s another reflection). 

I have always found it interesting how quickly leaders will condemn those caught in sin, again, maybe it's to make sure the finger of accusation is not pointed at them, for we know we are all sinners (Romans 3;23).  There is clearly a role in pastoring and leading that includes dealing with sin, but I am pretty sure that gathering around the sinner and pointing fingers, ready to condemn the sinner is what Jesus deals with here!  Lord, have mercy on us!

I have always thought dealing with sin to be a bit like cleaning toilets, or maybe changing a nasty diaper.  When one of our kids had a blow-out we didn’t gather a group of people around to enjoy the experience, or talk about it endlessly.

I am reminded of a few verses whose heart we see in the verses above.  Jesus was speaking about His purpose in coming into the world - John 12:47-48 NIV:

[47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.”

Here we have Jesus, the very Son of God, the only one on earth that could judge, and He specifically says He didn’t come to judge!  I, for one, don’t want to take a position that Jesus wouldn’t take.  We see this very heart presented in the story we started with today.  Jesus, rather than judge or condemn, calls the woman to leave her life of sin.  One must believe that  this woman was radically changed by her encounter with such a savior.

Oh that people would experience this same mercy, love, gentleness and forgiveness at the hands of the church!

I just had a funny thought, imagine if the crowd actually started throwing stones at the other sinners after Jesus’ statement.  I think everyone would have come away bruised and battered as they would have been throwing stones at themselves!

I believe humility is the better and safer way.  I am reminded of several scriptures:

1 Peter 3:8 NIV: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

1 Peter 5:5-6 NIV:

[5] “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Philippians 2:1-5 NIV:

[1] ”Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”

Ephesians 4:2-4 NIV:

[2] “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;”

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that this story about "the woman Jesus wouldn’t condemn" is here for a very important reason, to show us God’s heart towards us all!  He constantly deals with our sins, our mistakes, our misunderstandings, and washes us clean again and again!  He extends mercy, when we are absolutely not worthy of mercy! 

Oh that the church would learn to walk in this part of Jesus’ character.  He deals with sin, and He calls us out of sin, but His approach is gentleness and mercy.  

The day will come when we will be judged, and it's my prayer that I am found hidden in Him, washed in His purifying and cleansing blood.  I am certainly unworthy of His forgiveness and mercy, but then none of us are!  It is only due to His sacrifice that I have any hope!

Let us choose to embrace the ministry of Jesus!  Let us love one another deeply, being gentle and humble and bearing with one another in love!  Let us extend mercy and grace to one another and remind ourselves of God’s incredible grace and mercy towards us.

Let us present to the world a completely different approach to sin, the very one that Jesus demonstrated!  

How do we ever expect that the church will be clean and spotless if we deal with sin by throwing stones?  

Oh Jesus help us!  Oh Holy Spirit blow upon us!  Blood of Jesus, wash us clean!

Amen and Amen!

In the Heavenly Courtroom

In the last few days I have been thinking about the way the Lord works in our lives, and how different that is compared to how we think He would work.  Our ideas of God’s interactions with us can be all over the place, even for those of us in the Church, for we are not immune to misunderstanding, deception, and bad or incomplete teaching. I find that we struggle to really grasp the idea of Grace, the truth of the Gospel, and the invitation to relationship.  

This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans that are so full of good news, and helpful perspectives, that they have really helped me to embrace a deeper understanding of how good God really is towards me.  Here are the verses - Romans 8:31-39 NIV:

[31] “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

First, the simple truth - God is for us!  He is not against us (ver. 31).

Say that again, God is for us!  

God is for me!

He withholds nothing from me! (ver. 32)

He has given His best (His Son Jesus) for me! (ver. 32)

No one can bring ANY charges against me, for I am chosen and justified by God! (ver. 33)

Jesus is standing at the right hand of the Father interceding for me. (ver. 34)

In other words Jesus is defending me, pleading His case for me!  He is the one who chose me and justified me, and who has applied His righteousness to me!

When I think about this, I see a heavenly courtroom, and Jesus is on my side (my defender).  He is the one pleading my case!  

And if He is my defender, who is the one bringing charges? According to Revelations 12:10, the accuser of the Brethren (Satan) is the one bringing charges, or in our case we would call him the “prosecutor”.  

Revelation 12:10 NIV:  "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”

This picture has helped me so much, for there are many times the thoughts entering my mind are accusations, and I know exactly where those accusations are coming from, and who they are coming from.  

Often times the accusations are aimed at me, things like:

“You aren’t worthy!”

“You have disqualified yourself!”

“Don’t you remember the terrible thing you said or did? God will never accept you!”

“You are damaged goods, there is no hope for you, you might as well quit!”

If I start down one of these paths, my mind will be filled will all sorts of memories, almost like I am opening up a trash bag of all the bad things I have thought or done in the past.  Again, according to scripture this is not coming from the Lord, but from the enemy of our soul!. 

It is at times like these, that I hold onto the truths in Romans 8!

Equally important, I need to apply these same verses to all of my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ!  Clearly God feels the exact same way about them as He does me!  

I often find that I have thoughts about others that would be much more in line with the accusations of the enemy, than the truth expressed in Romans 8.  I find myself judging them, being offended at their sins, or even the idea that they might sin!  I see all sorts of imperfections in them, and find myself agreeing whole-heartedly! I find myself thinking that I don’t want to be in relationship with them, etc.  Yikes!

One time I was really being swept away by this thinking and the Lord interrupted my judgment and accusations, and asked me, “which side of the courtroom are you on?” 

I realized that I was on the side opposite of Him!  (That’s what the yikes is about!)

I immediately repented and asked that He forgive me for joining the accusations against the Brethren!  I prayed for His perspective, His mercy and His grace!

Finally, there are other times where the thoughts that enter my mind are accusing God of wrong doing!  Times where I am having difficulty, or things aren’t working out the way I thought they would!  I find that I am very susceptible to grumbling and complaining!  

At times like these, I find that I am acting much like the Israelites after they were led out of slavery in Egypt, and complaining about the manna!  Their life was difficult, and they were wanting to go back to Egypt for better food!  They were complaining about God’s plan and provision! 

I have found myself doing this multiple times!  Thoughts like the following:

“I can’t believe God’s plan for me led to this dead-end job!”

“I have been praying for this for years and God hasn't done a thing, clearly He doesn’t love me!”

“I have done so much for God, and now this happens, He clearly doesn’t care for me!”

“I have done so much for God, I deserve a blessing and instead I get this…”

“God didn’t heal this person I love, so he isn’t a good God after all!”

“How could God let this happen to me?”

I could continue on, but I think the point is clear!  I often find myself agreeing with these accusations about God!  Again, I have had the Lord interrupt my complaints and ask me, “Sam, which side of the court room are on?”

Yikes!

Incidentally, this is the exact same type of accusation that Eve listened to in the Garden!

In summary, I have found that living my life with this understanding has helped me immensely to think correctly!  I have found myself on the wrong side of the courtroom too many times, and recognizing that I am in league with the enemy rather than the Lord has definitely helped me battle through the war in my mind to get myself on the Lord’s side.  

I have been helped greatly and my prayer is that we would all step over to the Lord’s side, for our own view of our lives before Him, and our attitudes towards others in the Body of Christ! 

Lastly, I have been greatly helped in my ability to hold onto my faith in God, seeing His goodness in the midst of difficulty, and seen my hope rise!

My prayer is that the Lord might help us all!  Lord, have mercy on us, extend your grace to us!  Thank you for Your grace, your mercy, Your forgiveness and you intercessions for me!

Amen and Amen!

Sprinkled and Washed

Lately, I have been reflecting on a few different verses and I  was returned to the following verses for today - Hebrews 10:19-25 NIV:

[19] “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

What a great encouraging passage!  The author reminds us of these great truths, and then encourages us to draw near to God and to press into the Body of Christ, encouraging our love and good deeds towards one another!

Personally, I do feel encouragement to engage in our fellowship group, in our church and into the friendships and family relations we have been graced with in our lives.  However, it is all on the foundation of our faith that this is most filled with life and meaning.  We are invited into eternal life, a life of knowing God, through the sacrifice of Jesus, making a way for us to be restored to relationship!  

I am fully aware of the cleansing grace the Lord releases to us, and how His sacrifice has been applied to our lives, and is available to empower and wash us clean!  Of late, I have definitely seen this grace in action, this empowerment to cleanse my life, my mind, my thoughts, my actions.  The language of verse 22 above is one of something (cleansing and washing) that has already been done, and does not need to be done again!

This is truly one of the mysteries of God’s grace that His actions have perfectly cleansed us, already, and that when confessed and repented of, that past payment and cleansing has already been applied. Our whole lives have essentially been painted with grace, mercy, compassion and love from the point of Christ’s Glorious payment forward through the end of our lives!  There is a fount of living cleansing water that erupted at the Cross that is available for the washing of  everything in the future, and in the past.  

Our lives should be filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this clear gift,this unearned gifting and cleansing!  What a miraculous opportunity we have to live our lives in union with God, who has made the perfect way for us to step into a relationship with Him!  We do have the full assurance of our faith, that not only is this possible, it is true!

Thank You Lord for Your amazing, life-giving, cleansing, and loving gift!

Amen and Amen!

Resisting False Comfort

Recently the focus of my prayer and my daily walk has been on allowing the Lord to be my comforter. I shared a bit called “The God of All Comfort” and this morning I am adding a few practical thoughts, and helpful things the Lord has shown me. 

Here is a link to that Blog Entry: https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-god-of-all-comfort.html

This morning I am looking at ways I can resist turning to other things for comfort. In scripture, we are told there are three main things we battle - the world, the flesh and the evil one. (See 1 John 2:15-17, Eph 6:12 for scriptural basis).  In my life they all seem to swirl together, but are definitely something I am aware of in my life.  The way I experience them is in the form of unhealthy appetites, and by that I mean desires that take me out of the will of the Lord, and healthy appetites.  These are held up as comforts, but they are offering false comfort.  One could say that I see the need to resist these false comforts!

For example, we all need to eat, and hunger is part of God’s creation of our bodies, to help us know when we need to eat, to provide fuel for our bodies.  I have normal hunger, and I also have self-focused hunger, where I want specific things, even though I know they are unhealthy for me. I am trying to fill something other than my natural appetite.  In my case it is abundant carbohydrates, specifically sweets.  I have a terrible “sweet tooth”.  

Medically speaking, my body had a tendency towards very high cholesterol, and eating carbs increases my cholesterol in my body significantly. This was discovered about 30 years ago when I weighed 20lbs less, and had an overall Cholesterol count over 400 and a triglyceride count 10x higher than normal.  With numbers like those I was likely going to have some arterial blockage or heart attack, but from the outside I looked healthy.  (If you want to read more about the body chemistry stuff I suggest reading  “Protein Power” By Dr. Michael R Eades).

The solution to my internal body chemistry problems has proven to be limiting my carb intake, especially sweets.  

I don’t like this solution!  I want to eat sweets and other carbs, especially breads, pastry, cake, pie and candy!  

This is my flesh talking.

For a few years I did pretty well, but then started eating more carbs, even rewarding myself (Comforting) with sweets for certain goals.  As I ate more, I found I wanted more, and of course I ate more.  One day the Lord stopped me and said something like, “you know the enemy is trying to get you to take yourself out by eating things that will cause you to have a heart attack and die!”

That stopped me in my tracks!

It had never occurred to me that the enemy would use such sly tactics  in his attack on me.  As I started paying attention to my thoughts more, I noticed that indeed it seemed like thoughts of certain desires would just pop into my head.  Sometimes they would be triggered by ads on TV, but other times, I noticed they were more related to being bored, or one could say feeling an emptiness inside, and I was trying to ease that,or comfort myself. 

For years since, I have worked to resist those urges, those thoughts, and just telling myself no.  At times I do better than others, but it is a constant “battle”.  

Lately the Lord, specifically the Holy Spirit,  has provided me a better tool in resisting those thoughts and appetites. Lately He has had me speaking the truth of where those actions (eating what I shouldn’t) will lead.  

When I am hungry, when I realize that I am having thoughts or urges to eat sweets, I say to myself, “Eating that will result ultimately in my death.  It won’t be right away, but I will gain weight, I will get unhealthy and then I will have a heart attack!”

Amazingly, the appetite or urge goes away almost immediately!

I have found this technique works equally well with my other appetites.  Speaking the truth, in contrast to the false pleasure or filling my hollow place that these appetites hold up, has helped me immensely in resisting the urge to turn to other things for comfort

In his letter to all believers, James gives us some really good advice found in James 4:7-8a NIV:

[7] “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

I find that when I resist, the urge, the appetite and the thoughts all disappear quickly.  This leads me to believe that the enemy is indeed using these to attack me and try to get me to take myself out, however he can!

In summary, I have recently found great help in identifying those areas that are out of line with God’s plans and purposes, and healthy appetites, and started speaking truth to myself, rather than just trying to say no or resist.  Speaking the truth, seems to give me much more to hold onto, and strengthens my will and self-control.

My prayer is that this is helpful to you in your efforts to follow the Lord, and make Him the God of all comfort in your life!

Amen and Amen!

A Different Take on The Seed and Soil

This morning while walking my dog in our local park, I was praying and asking the Lord to forgive areas in my life that are not aligned with Him, specifically areas that have always been a bit of a struggle for me.  As I prayed that prayer, I saw a picture of someone digging up a whole area of their yard and bringing in new soil.  I was immediately reminded of the verses about the sower, the seed and the soil.  

Here are the verses and the explanation as found in the Gospel of Matthew 13:3-9,18-23 NIV:

[3] “Then he [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. [4] As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. [5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. [7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. [8] Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. [9] Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 

[18] “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: [19] When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. [20] The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. [21] But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. [22] The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. [23] But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

So often when I have read these verses before, I always understood that Jesus was talking about different people and their responses to the Gospel of the Kingdom, and I do believe that is true.  However, this morning I saw that it could also be applied to different areas of my life!  There are areas of my life where I bear good fruit, and then there are areas where I am less fruitful, areas where regularly my attention and focus gets distracted, areas where I have been trying to change for years and seen little progress, and probably areas where God’s Word has yet to penetrate.  That really changes my reading of this parable, as I always thought because I was bearing fruit in areas, I was good soil. 

Today, I felt the gentle encouragement of the Lord to take a closer look at my life, and take a real inventory of the type of soil I have in specific areas. I have never thought this way before, and while challenging, I think the encouragement is very helpful.  

In my yard, when I wanted to create a garden, I dug up that area of the yard, brought in new soil and fertilizer.  I can do similar things in my life.  I can choose to dig up sections, to turn them over, to reveal that which is under the surface.  I can find a trusted friend or two to reveal the depths of my soil, areas where I have been unfruitful, areas where I have let the worldly mindset trample and harden!  I can confess my findings to the Lord, (He knows them anyway) and ask for His help in turning over and cleaning my life. 

Sometimes He will use the refuse of my past, now turned to compost, to renew my present life, bearing fruit for others to see.  What was brokenness and sinful, when revealed and subjected to the Word, broken down into humility, can now help others and bear fruit for His Glory. 

This morning I am encouraged to pray for the Lord’s revelation to show me what areas in my life need to be renewed, weeded, roto-tilled, fertilized and watered.  I am confident that He is about a work in my life to enable me to bear more fruit!  Thank you Lord for Your active word, and Your direction and guidance!  I do want to bear good fruit in every area of my life!

Ameen and Amen!

The God of ALL Comfort

Tuesday night as I was praying the Lord dropped into my mind the theme of comfort, and how we (especially in the western world) turn to other things than Him for comfort.  I was reminded of a couple of verses.  First to set the foundation - He is the God of all Comfort!  Here is the scriptural reference from Paul’s second letter to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV:

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 

The word comfort here is the original Greek word paraklēsis  which has several meanings, all of which are helpful.  However today we are focusing on the following two uses and definitions: 

1) exhortation, admonition, encouragement

2) consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment

Clearly the translators are focused on the second use here.  We know that the Holy Spirit is called the Paraclete, our helper and encourager, and should also be understood that He is our comforter.

The other verses that were called to mind were verses that had to do with appetites - one in the old testament and one in the new.  Here are the reference scriptures: 

Numbers 11:4-6 NIV:

[4] “The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! [5] We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. [6] But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”

And - 

Philippians 3:18-19 NIV:

[18] “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”

The Greek word translated stomach is the word Koilia and it means “hollow” and can be translated stomach, appetites, belly, even our inner-most being. The point appears to apply to those who are trying to fill an emptiness.  In the verses from numbers, their focus on food was such that they were forgetting they were slaves in Egypt, and living under a terrible burden.

The point of these two verses is not that food or hunger is bad, but rather there is a reality where we can place more importance on filling ourselves with other things (food is one example) rather than the Lord!.  Paul writes that there are those who are living this way are making this pursuit a god in their life.  If something is our god, it means we are in some ways worshipping that other thing.

In our modern world we are obsessed with our comfort!  We can exist in such a way that we could never have to leave our homes, nor expose ourselves to any hardship.  The ads and marketing speak of our comfort, of having things the way we want, of fulfilling our hunger and desires.  Our homes are built around comfort, our furniture, and appliances are focused on convenience and comfort!  We are surrounded by a cacophony of voices telling us we can sate our hunger and emptiness with things. 

In my quick thoughts on this subject, I came up with a list of things we turn to for comfort:

1. Food (Comfort food is an actual phrase)
2. Clothes and other personal items
3. Houses (settling into our comfy place)
4. TV Shows and media (do we call our favorites “my show” or find ourselves binge watching shows?)
5. Drugs and alcohol (mood altering is one way of finding or inducing comfort)
6. Sexual attraction (something that makes us feel enlivened or wanted)

The point here is that none of these things are bad on their own.  In fact, one could argue they are all part of God’s creation and our creative abilities which are gifts from the Lord.  However, if we find ourselves turning to them instead of the Lord when we need comfort or are feeling empty, then this might be something we need to look at in our lives!

God is the God of All Comfort.

One wonders if we really believe that?

Can He fill our emptiness?

Can He meet our needs?

I can think of several verses that provide God’s perspective on these questions, here are just a few:

Matthew 6:25-33 NIV: 

Jesus speaking here [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 

[28] “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

And - 

1 Timothy 6:17 NIV:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

And - 

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV:

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

And - 

Philippians 4:19 NIV:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

In summary, God does provide, does care about our needs, our comfort, and our lives!  He is the God of All Comfort, and He will meet us in our need!  If we find ourselves constantly turning to other things, then we might need to change the way we are thinking and ask for His help to turn to Him, instead of these other “gods”!

Lord help us!

Amen!

Could He, Would He, Is He?

I was just thinking about a ministry event we had last night and some of the prayers, and ideas of how the Lord might move, and I heard myself asking, “Could He, Would He, and is He”?   This seems to be a good review of my faith position, getting His perspective, and finding where I need to get to, so that I can join what he is doing!

I hope that make sense.  I like simple phrases that help direct my reflections.

Could He?

We find scripture loaded with the many things Jesus did from walking on water, to feeding 5000, to healing a man born blind, to raising Lazarus.  In the Old testament we see God rescuing the Israelites from the Egyptian army by opening the sea, we find people raised from the dead, walls collapsing around Jericho, the sun standing still, etc.  Suffice it to say that God can do whatever He wants. Jesus said in Mark 10:27 NIV: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” 

Would He?

This is a bit more subjective, in that it is not so much a question of ability but rather intent.

I am reminded of one of the stories found in Matthew 8:1-3 NIV:

[1] “When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. [2] A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 

[3] Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.”

I was also reminded of several times that we find Jesus’ motivation listed as compassion,  Here a few examples:

Matthew 14:14 NIV

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Matthew 20:34 NIV

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 15:32 NIV

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

As a simple test, we can tell that if the Lord’s compassion is evident or growing in us, that He is planning to move, and the answer is yes!  He would feed the 5000, heal the blind men, or heal the man with leprosy.

There are many times that Jesus’ motivation to heal or work a miracle is not mentioned.  However we find no case in scripture where He turned someone away that came to Him for healing, however we know that not every sick person mentioned in the New Testament got healed.  Jesus walked into an area full of sick people by the Pool of Bethesda and healed the one man (See John 5) so we do need to ask the question!  It is my conviction that almost  always the answer will be yes, He would, for He loves HIs people, desires them to know His love, and He is the God who heals!

Is He?

This is the most important question, for this is a present tense question.  What is He doing right now?  The first two questions have to do with faith and expectation, this question has to do with the right now!  

Using the pool of Bethesda as an example, We know God is a Healer and can heal people paralyzed.  We know that when people brought Him someone who was paralyzed, that He healed them (See Mark 2:1-12).  

In this case Jesus walks into the room of sick people and just engages the one man. Our previous two questions would assume that if Jesus walked into the pool area, He would have healed all of them, and yet we have a very clear story of His just healing the one man!  IN this illustration, the answer to our third question is that Jesus is just healing him.

I think we can draw a few principles that are helpful:

If Jesus moved to someplace He was going to do works in that place, as He had been sent there by the Father.  John 6:38 NIV: “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

If Jesus is touching someone He intends to do a work in them.  No one that encountered Jesus went away unchanged.  Sometimes the change is not evident externally at first, but the fruit will be evident.

If Jesus points out someone specifically, He is likely going to move.  In Mark 5:1-5, Jesus encounters a man with a shriveled hand, and while there is much going in that story, He calls the man to stand-up.  I am not sure the man knew He was going to be healed, but I am sure the apostles expected it!

Thus, when we are asking Is He?  We should be looking around, looking for people that the Lord is moving on, touching individually or highlighting to us.  In all three of these cases, He IS clearly working, and that’s a a good place to be!  

I am reminded of something Jesus said in the Gospel of John 4:34-35 NIV:

[34] “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. [35] Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Yes Lord, help us to open our eyes and look, for there are many that need Your touch!  Help us to see what You see, to do what You would do, and join ourselves to What the Father is doing that we might finish Your work!

Amen and Amen!