Healing the Whole Person

Last night I was reading from Luke 17 and was reminded of the teaching from Kris Vallotton of Bethel Church in Redding, CA, talking about the healing of the whole person, and how that is different than just healing of a disease, and he used the story of the 10 lepers from Luke 17 to illustrate the point. He described the different words that were used in verse 14 and again in 17 and the word used in verse 19.


Here is the story:


(NIV)Luke 17:11-19
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. [12] As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance [13] and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” [14] When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. [15] One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. [16] He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him---and he was a Samaritan. [17] Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? [18] Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” [19] Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”


In verse 14 and 17 the word that is translated "cleansed" is the Greek word katharizo. The definition follows:


I. to make clean, cleanse
  a. from physical stains and dirt
    1. utensils, food
    2. a leper, to cleanse by curing
    3. to remove by cleansing
  b. in a moral sense
    1. to free from defilement of sin and from faults
    2. to purify from wickedness
    3. to free from guilt of sin, to purify
    4. to consecrate by cleansing or purifying
    5. to consecrate, dedicate
II. to pronounce clean in a levitical sense


So in other words a being physically healed of the disease. Clearly this is miraculous, and a wonderful sign of God. This would have made a huge difference in the lepers' lives.


The Greek word that is used in verse 19 is the word Sozo. This word is defined as follows:




1. to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
  a. one (from injury or peril)
    1. to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
    2. to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
  b. to save in the technical biblical sense
    1. negatively 1b
  c. to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment 1b
  d. to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance


This word means much more than physical healing, but also speaks of receiving salvation, being saved from our sins, and the judgement that would be due us. It is a word that describes the salvation of the whole person, not just a touch of healing in their physical body.


So in this case, the leper who returned and worshiped Jesus, who recognized that God had touched him, and in faith came back and met Jesus, he was saved, healed, delivered and redeemed. The other 9, had a physical healing, but we do not hear of their salvation.


This really makes me aware of how important my thanks and worship are in my life of faith. They appear to be that which draw me into a deeper encounter with the Lord, and enable me to receive His touch in every area of my life.

Learning From David and Goliath

This morning I am reading 1 Sam 17 - the story of David and Goliath. A few verses stood out to me:

(NIV)1 Samuel 17:11, 16, 24
[11] On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

[16] For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.

[24] Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.

I was just thinking about how a spirit of fear and cowardice had come over the whole camp. They were all infected with this spirit, from the King to the least of them. Its amazing to me that they did the same routine for 40 days, twice a day and the Philistines never attacked. It appears the Philistines still had a healthy fear of God, and were trying to figure out a way to take Him out of the equation. So Goliath came forward and challenged them to individual combat, calling them out as the fearful men they really were, trying to get them to overstep the will of the Lord.

Just previously, in 1 Sam 14, God had routed the Philistnes when Israel came before them without any swords, except for Saul and Jonathon. Jonathan had gone up against the phlistines by himself and killed 20. However, it wasn't until God sent panic amongst the Philistines, that Israel actually attacked. It seems that they were generally weaponless, and unused to fighting. I think it was probably this lack of experience and faith in themselves, that caused them to quake when Goliath came out. They weren't putting their faith in their God, but rather in their own very limited abilities. What they forgot was that God was much greater than this giant they were facing.

On the other hand, the Israelites were smart enough not to go out and fight Goliath in their own strength, on his terms, as he was challenging them to do. The Israelites only hope was in their God, but none of them had faith enough to step forward, and all of them were letting the enemy set the rules for confrontation. They didnt step forward to do battle this way, but they didn't know what to do either, so they just quaked in fear for 40 days.

We need to know that God is the one who sets the rules for confrontation with the enemy, not the other way around. God is not limited by the tactics the enemy chooses, nor is He limited by the abilities of His men, or boys in this case. God is sovereign over all, all the time. He is the King. He has defeated the enemy. He will be victorious always. He dictates the place of battle and the tactics to use. We only need to seek Hm and wait on Him and He will show us the way forward.

No One is an Impossible Case

I was reading from Acts 9:
(NIV)Acts 9:13-16
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. [14] And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” [15] But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. [16] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

As I was reading this, I thought about how absolutely crazy this was. Saul was one of the chief enemies of the church, the one who was possibly the most aggressive in persecuting the church in its earliest years, and Jesus converts him and turns him into one of the greatest evangelists and church planters to ever live. What an amazing story of Jesus absolute sovereignty, and power to touch and heal even the hardest heart.

I am reminded of something Graham Cooke said, that we should never let our politics or opinions of someone affect our perspective of what God is about. He said, "what if one of the sworn enemies of the USA was God's planned person to reach all of the Muslim world?" When I heard him say that, I thought "yeah right....!" But in essense that is what the Lord did with Saul. He took one of the greatest enemies of the church and made him one of it strongest advocates. All I can say is we have an awesome God!

So, let us be guided by the Lord, not the news media, not our political mind set, not by anything of man. Let us pursue God's plan, and make ourselves available to be the one that reaches out to the former enemy of the church, and welcomes them into the Body of Christ. God will be victorious, that we know, and He will win many hearts that will surprise us in that process. Clearly nothing is impossible with God, and no one is an impossible case.

Dreams and Signs

This morning I started reading from Matt 1, and was struck by the many times that Joseph was directed by the Lord in dreams.

(NIV)Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

(NIV)Matthew 2:13-14
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” [14] So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,

(NIV)Matthew 2:19-22
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt [20] and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” [21] So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. [22] But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

I was also thinking about the fact that the Magi from the East knew about Jesus birth, as they had observed the signs that pointed to it. Clearly they must have had some other reason to believe the star indicated the birth of Jesus, some prophetic message. Regardless they were aware of the signs, and came to Jerusalem inquiring. What really caught my eye was the fact that the Jewish chief priests and teachers knew exactly where Jesus was supposed to be born, but apparently had totally missed the signs that the men from the East had seen - see the following verses:

(NIV)Matthew 2:1-6
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem [2] and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
[3] When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. [5] “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: [6] “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

So, I guess my question this morning is whether or not I am listening to the Lord, and applying what I already know? I am sure that in the hectic, fast paced world, I can easily miss, or not pay attention to the guidance from the Lord. I believe that God speaks to me in dreams - based on a solid scriptual record - and does use signs and His word to direct and guide our lives. The real question is whether or not I am listening, and looking?

Personally I do write down the dreams that I remember, that seem to have some Godly themes, and I study and read scripture plenty. I guess that is moving in the right direction, but I also know I have much to learn about listening to the Lord in my daily life, hearing Him speak to my heart, responding to His guidance and direction. Lord, I pray that You will help me learn to be a more effective listener, and to be more aware of Your Guidance and direction.

Fear or Love?

The other morning I was reading this verse in Acts 2:

(NIV)Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

As I was reflecting on this, thinking about how the early church was selling property and possessions, I found myself looking around my house, making lists of things I would be willing to sell, and things I wouldn't. I found a bit of fear rising up in my heart, that God might ask me sell something that I considered dear, and I thought this probably wasn't an uncommon response to this verse.

I think that often what we are concerned about is that the Lord will ask us to give away too much, or give away the one thing that is so dear to us. This fear represents an area where we don't trust the Lord, and don't understand His love for us. To think that the Lord would ever hurt us or want less then the very best for us is really a bit heretical. We are saying that we don't think God is who He says He is, and rather than loving us, He will punish us by taking that which is dearest. We are saying we are afraid, but fear and love don't co-exist.

(NIV)1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Lord, help us to truly experience Your love, and trust You completely. You do love us and care for us and provide for us more than we can ever imagine.

The Importance of Signs and Wonders and the Power of God

This morning I started reading from Acts 19:

(NIV)Acts 19:10-12
This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. [11] God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, [12] so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

(NIV)Acts 19:13-18
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” [14] Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. [15] One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” [16] Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. [17] When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. [18] Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.

As I read this, I am reminded of how important it is to have an open heart to signs and wonders as well as the preached Word. Its the signs and wonders that prove authority and the reality of God's Kingdom, not good sounding arguments. If the arguments were enough, Paul would never had needed to have miracles and signs and wonders follow him, for he was one of the greatest scriptural exegists. What caused the Gospel to spread was signs and wonders, the clear demonstration of the power of God.

I am reminded of several verses where it was evident that the signs and wonders accompanied the preaching of the Word, and confirmed that what the apostles were saying was true.

(NIV)Mark 16:20
Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

(NIV)Acts 14:3
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

(NIV)2 Corinthians 12:12
I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.

(NIV)1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. [2] For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power

Holding All Things In Common

This morning I have been reading out of Acts:


(NIV)Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


(NIV)Acts 4:32-35
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. [33] With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all [34] that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales [35] and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.


When I think about these verses, parts of them scare me, as they confront my individualist mindet, and my sense of ownership and possessiveness. These verses seem to fly in the face of our American dream, working hard and enjoying all the benefits of the financial increase it brings. Our attitude is that we worked hard and have a right to that which we earned. We give much charitably, but generally from our excess, and here we see people selling their possessions, not just giving from their excess, and giving the money to the church to be distributed as there is need. This was diffrent, in that there was a complete change of mind about ownership, in that they now considered everything they owned to be part of the common pool.


To be fair, its possible that these people had very different ideas about living in a community. Some cultures have a sense of belonging, and communal ownership in a small village, or tribal environment that would resemble this model that the early church was living. Its also interesting that in the rest of the book of Acts, and in other books describing the first and second century church, that no more mention of this type of radical living was mentioned.


Regardless, its apparent that the early church really understood the body mentality (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12). They are no longer just individuals, but rather part of something larger, a body, with purpose. Their understanding of putting others before themselves, of not just saying the words, but loving in action, is clear. I see them living out a few verses.


(NIV)1 John 3:16-18
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.


(NIV)Matthew 25:44-45
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ [45] “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’


(NIV)James 2:14-18
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.


Its clear from the rest of scripture that we must not just pass off this style of living in the first few chapters of Acts, as early zealousness, but rather examine our lives and see if we are living our lives in ways that our love for one another is clear and demonstrated through actions, not just words and nice thoughts.

Do What He Says...

The other morning I was reading from James:

(NIV)James 1:22-25
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do.

This is what Graham Cooke titles - intentionality. Being aware, being intentional, being focused, all day long, every day. Hearing what the Lord is saying and doing it. Lord, I ask that You would help me to remember what I have heard, and not just remembering, but doing.

On the Church, the Body of Christ

More concerning the Body of Christ, the Church.


(NIV)Colossians 2:2-3
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.


As I was reading this verse I started thinking about the importance of the Body of Christ. As Paul says, Christ is the mystery of God in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. So if we are supposed to be the Body of Christ present now upon the earth, there is some of that wisdom and knowledge that is hidden in us, as His Body.


(NIV)Ephesians 3:10-12
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.


The idea that Jesus was forming a church is first introduce by Jesus in Matt 16:18


(NIV)Matthew 16:18-19
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”


Here Jesus clearly identifies that it is His Church. The Greek word used here is defined below:


Ekklesia  - pronounced  ek-klay-see'-ah 


Definition
1. a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
a. an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating
b. the assembly of the Israelites
c. any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously
d. in a Christian sense
1. an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting
2. a company of Christian, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake
3. those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body
4. the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth
5. the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven


The phrase 'Body of Christ' is introduced in Romans 12:5


(NIV)Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.


And more thoroughly in 1 Cor 12:


(NIV)1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.


There is a complete parallel expression between Romans 12:5 and 1 For 12:27. In the Greek they read almost identically, except in Corinthians Paul clearly spells out that its in reality Christ's body, that we each individually belong to. The Greek word used there is defined below:


Soma - pronounced so'-mah 


Definition
1. the body both of men or animals
a. a dead body or corpse
b. the living body
1. of animals
2. the bodies of planets and of stars (heavenly bodies)
3. is used of a (large or small) number of men closely united into one society, or family as it were; a social, ethical, mystical body
a. so in the NT of the church
4. that which casts a shadow as distinguished from the shadow itself


Finally in Colossians, Paul equates the two:


(NIV)Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.


So the term Body of Christ, really means His Body, just like my body, but it is made up of many parts (us), and as such we represent Him to the world. We can't be a Christian outside the church, anymore than I can have part of my body separated from the rest of my body, yet still living. In the natural, this piece could exist for a short period of time, but in time the part that is separated would die.


Lord, help us to more fully understand our part in the Body of Christ, the Church.

More Concerning The Body Of Christ

Concerning the Body:
(NIV)Romans 12:3-16
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

[9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. [11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [13] Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

We all belong in the Body, we are all needed in the body. we must work to break out of our natural tendency to only associate with like people, but be willing to associate with all. For in Christs wisdom, we all have a role and purpose, and its necessary for all to be connected, and in relationship.

We Are All Needed in the Body of Christ

Yesterday I was thinking quite a bit about the Body of Christ, the Church, and how we so often don't view it correctly. I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 12:

(NIV)1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Don't disqualify yourself because you are not like others in the Body. Each of us has a purpose and role, but all parts are necessary. We need the different ideas, the different perspectives, the different cultures, everything, because God's plan is that we are all one.

On Healing and Oil

Last night I was reading from Mark 6, and the description of the apostles anoiting the sick with oil caught my eye. I hadn't seen that detail before, and started wondering where that came from scripturally, besides Jesus' demonstration of it.

(NIV)Mark 6:12-13
They went out and preached that people should repent. [13] They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Apparently, after some research, this passage and James 5:14 are the only two that talk about oil and healing. It was an interesting read - looking at the commentaries and how many of them tried to make some sort of theological point, or compared this to medicine, or talked about how this was for the 12 apostles only, and since healing no longer happens we are left with the anoiting with oil, etc.

As I read this, it appears to me that the apostles were clearly doing something that Jesus taught them to do. They were going out into the kingdom of darkness proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and as a demonstration of this reality, healing people of their sicknesses. They were anointing the sick people - anointing in the old testament was a way of consecrating (Ex 29:7}, or dedicating someone or something for a sacred purpose. Olive oil was used, and olive oil was what they used for light in the temple (Ex 25:6). Could this be as simple as the apostles calling these people to their divine (sacred) purpose in the Kingdom, to be a light to all that the Kingdom of God was real and in their midst? I am not a theologist, but that seems as likely to me as any of the other commentries I read.

Regardless, we don't need to make this a point of theology, or religion. In plenty of instances, Jesus clearly didn't use oil, in some He used mud, or even spit, neither of which have any religious or sacred significance. Jesus healed. He called us to heal. We will be guided through the Holy Spirit on how to approach each situation, just as Jesus so clearly demonstrated. Lord, help me to not get caught up in the pharisitical splitting of a religious hair when confronted by something like this. Rather help me to embrace Your heart and attitude towards those who are sick and sinners, that You came for them (Matt 9:12-13)!

Having a Servant Attitude

As I continue my thought from yesterday, concerning persistence in prayer, I am encouraged that this needs to be part of the culture of the church. It won't be established without teaching and encouragement, for it is clearly counter-cultural to our present Western culture. Lord, help me, and help us to learn about this place of persevering prayer. Help me to learn about putting people before my schedule or personal comfort. That is a scary prayer to pray for me Lord, as I know this is an area where I need to grow, and an area that requires self sacrifice. Lord help us to learn to put others first, to serve others in this way. I am reminded of Jesus statements in Luke 17:

(NIV)Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” [6] He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. [7] “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? [8] Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? [9] Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? [10] So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”

In the same way, we need to have the mindset of servants, willing to put our own needs, and desires behind those of who we serve. I know I never really liked this particular example that Jesus used, because I thought it a bit unfair, but its clear that I don't really have a servant mindset. This seems like such a radical thought, but it certainly isn't in many cultures. This clearly relates to creating a culture of honor, where we honor and care for those that we meet and are in relationship with. What a very different culture than the present "me culture". Lord, help me, help us!

Persistence in Prayer

Last night I was talking with a friend whose brother had recently been on a trip to Columbia, South America and was talking about the miracles and healings they saw, blind eyes opened, deaf ears healed, paralyzed guy walking. He said it was crazy - that people wouldn't leave until they had their healing, and that as a result they needed to learn perseverance in prayer. I think that is so true of our Churches here in the US, we have lost the ability to really persevere in prayer for someone. I think we don't know how to sacrifice our time and selves in the place of prayer, for the most part. I know that I have a hard time praying longer than 10-15 minutes for someone.


I am reminded again of Samuel's mother Hannah, how she persevered in prayer for years before the Lord answered her prayer (1 Sam 1:1-20). I am also reminded of the disciples inability to heal the boy with the demon. They were unable cast out the demon, and had apparently stopped trying when Jesus came down from the Transfiguration. Jesus tells them why they couldn't cast it out:


(NASB)Matthew 17:20-21
And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ''Move from here to there,'' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. [21] "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."


Jesus equates their inability to littleness or lack of faith, and also adds the statement that this type only comes out except by prayer and fasting - both speak of a place of perseverance and self sacrifice.


In John G. Lake's healing rooms in Spokane, WA in the 1930s, they would sometimes pray for people, 10-20 days for multiple hours each day, before they saw them healed. Lord, help us to learn to put others before our schedules.


I am also thinking that this scriptural example also shows the faith of the father, who brought his son for prayer. It was clear that the message that was going out was that everyone who came to Jesus got healed. And it is also clear that many times, after the sending out of the 12, that the apostles were also ministers to those that needed healing. In this case, the man brought the son and after the apostles had tried to heal his son and failed, he was undeterred, he waited for Jesus.


I think about our attitude here in the States, how if we go forward and get prayer and nothing happens, how quickly do we walk away? I also think about my attitude towards anyone who would continue to ask for prayer, going from person to person, or coming up every time there is an invitation for prayer ministry. I have tended to be annoyed by their persistence, rather than encouraged by their faith. Lord, please forgive me for this clearly wrong attitude.

Thoughts on John 21

This morning I am reading from John 21 and saw a few things of interest, besides the usual good stuff.

(NIV)John 21:15-22
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” [16] Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” [17] The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. [18] Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

[20] Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” [22] Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Verse 20 caught my eye, because I hadn't realized that Jesus was having the reinstatement conversation with Peter, while walking with him. I just thought about how personal the Lord was, in dealing individually with Peter's denial, calling him to the place of relationship once again, knowing that Peter was longing to have this conversation, but unable to either gather the courage, or do so in front of the others. Jesus graciously takes him aside and God for a walk on the beach with him and basically erases the denials with recommitment. His last satetment to Peter is 'follow me'.

I also thought it as interesting how when Peter asked about John, he didn't say his name, but rather 'him'. One wonders if there was some personal stuff between them, since peter denied the Lod, and John persisted in staying with him? It is certainly possible. But more importantly, the Lord makes it clear to Peter that this is not his concern. Peter's concern is to follow Jesus, period.

This makes me think of the many times I have been more concerned about so and so, rather than my own following after Jesus. Lord forgive me for my own inability to follow you, and being concerned about other things.

Finally, just seeing the call of Jesus to Peter, to feed 'HIS' sheep. Let us never forget that the church, and every member in it is Jesus'. Not our's, not some organization,s bt the Lord's.

Forgiveness and Healing

This morning I was reading from Matt 9 and thinking about the issue of forgiveness, as its seen in these verses.


(NIV)Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. [2] Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” [3] At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” [4] Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? [5] Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? [6] But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” [7] Then the man got up and went home. [8] When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. 


Earlier Jesus was speaking about forgiveness during the sermon on the mount, and specifically addressed it in the Lord's prayer. We are called to forgive those that have sinned against us, and the Father will forgive our sins. 


(NIV)Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 


In the story about the paralyzed man, Jesus, spurred on by the friends' faith, forgives the paralyzed man's sins. Jesus had laid the ground work of understanding forgiveness earlier, and now is clearly demonstrating this reality. His authority on earth, is a representation of the Father's authority. Its clear that Jesus understood where this conversation was going to go with the Pharisees standing around, speaking forgiveness was going to elicit crys of blasphemy, yet He gladly went there to show He was from the Father.


Its also interesting how in this story Jesus links forgiveness and healing, the latter proving the authority to do the former. There is a parallel verse in Psalms 103:3 (see below) and Jesus demonstrates its fulfillment here, but clearly is not limited by the order of forgiveness and then healing, nor is he setting a precedent, as in many healings there is no mention of forgiveness, just the healing. James 5:15 talks about healing first, then forgiveness. Whatever the case its a glorious day for the young man! 


(NIV)Psalm 103:1-5 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. [2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits--- [3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, [5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 


Lord, thank You that You extend both healing and forgiveness, and have the authority to do both here on earth.

Heavenly Mindset and God Glasses

I was reading a book by Bill Johnson last night and one of the things that he was talking about is praying in the things of heaven, the realities of heaven, into our present situation and circumstances, based out the Lord's prayer, specifically Matthew 6 verse 10.


(NIV)Matthew 6:9-13
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’


He talks about praying for Jesus dominion and will to be done here, as they are in heaven. A simple measure he uses is if it exists in heaven, it should exist here - if it doesn't exist in heaven it shouldn't exist here. Taking it a bit further, if its valued in heaven, it should be valued here, if it isn't valued in heaven it shouldn't be valued here.


This is why we need that heavenly mindset (Col 3:2), the eternal perspective. This mindset and perspective allow us to identify things that are out of alignment with Jesus' Kingdom reality and call them into alignment, through the authority He has given us. Its like an internal heads up display that should point out to us things that aren't right from God's perspective - kind of like the display that the terminator had when looking around, or the new Google glasses that provide enhanced viewing experience, or as they call it augmented reality. 

The goal is that we become so changed in our mindset and perspective, that as we look around us, we will be able to see the things that don't align with heaven and the Kingdom of God, and either change our minds and hearts, if the issue is internal, or we work and pray to see the change that is required to bring these things into alignment.


Amen, help us Lord to see things as You see them, to put on God glasses.

The Key Role of Miracles

I was continuing to read in Matt 11:2-6 and was reminded of what things Jesus said proved He was the Messiah, His miracles.

(NIV)Matthew 11:2-6
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples [3] to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” [4] Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: [5] The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. [6] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

And again in John 14:11 Jesus points to the miracles as the sign of His representing the Father.

(NIV)John 14:11
"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 miracles themselves."

Lord, continuing this thought of the place of miracles and healing in the church, if these signs don't accompany the church, how will people know that we are truly from God, and following God? Lord, help us to step into this mindset, to change our minds about what church ministry should look like. Its like we have decided to be satisfied with a church where all we hear is inspiring talk, and have good feelings, rather than pressing in and believing for the miracles and healing. We have decided to be satisfied with less.

Lord, I pray that You will help me to not be satisfied with good talk and good feelings, but to rather press on, press in, and persevere until this is my experience.

Spiritual Sight and Repentance

I was reading last night from Bill Johnson's book, "When Heaven Invades Earth". One of the key things he was talking about was the need to really change the way we think, to put on an eternal or heavenly, or spiritual realm mindset.  This is the real emphasis of repentance - changing the way we think.


He said that unbelief is really believing in the seen more than the unseen, and that was helpful to me. He said that faith is really the possession of spiritual sight. Jesus saw what the Father was doing, and so should we be able to see what He is doing. Faith is not meant to be some sort of special gifting that is only available to a few, but rather, is available to every believer, immediately, its just that our western thought is so much rooted in this temporal existance. We need to realize the need and practice seeing the spiritual, for its the spiritual that will last, and the spiritual which is thus the greater reality.


(NIV)2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.


(NIV)1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.


(NIV)Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.


Lord, help me to adjust the way I think daily, to repent.  I want to be aware of the unseen!

Breaking Old Paradigms

As I was thinking and praying, I was reminded of Acts 10, where Peter has the vision of the sheet being lowered, and is told to eat things that are forbidden. He is being directed by God to do something that he had never done, nor fit into his understanding of his call.


(NIV)Acts 10:13-16
"Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” [14] “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” [15] The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” [16] This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven."


Then Peter had to accept that which the Lord did in their midst.   Again, this was outside his previous experience or the way he thought it should happen.


(NIV)Acts 10:44-47
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, [47] “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”


In this chapter, the Lord clearly broke Peter out of his old paradigm and understanding. He showed him both through word and action that He had other plans and purposes that Peter had never seen or experienced before.   Limiting oneself to anything other than what God limits you would be wrong.


We also can't limit others because we haven't had a particular experience. God is creative and constantly at work, breaking through our paradigms and expanding our understanding. If we try to control our experience by limiting all things to what we have previously experienced, we will never grow. As a friend of mine said last night, "part of the reason people don't want to follow the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to work in their lives, is that they are afraid they will be lead someplace they don't want to go."


Lord, help us to grow and expand, and see things the way You see them!  Help us to not be afraid of those things that are outside our present experience.

Thinking Outside the Box About Ministry and Church

Several interesting questions - not really any answers, but trying to think outside the box.


(NIV)2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, [8] nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. [9] We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate."


I was just thinking about that final statement that Paul makes "... in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate." I was thinking about how the normal church experience is based on a model that has been passed down, one of the professional minister. I certainly won't deny that model for its biblical basis, or effectiveness, but Paul clearly operated on a different model, one of being bi-vocational. He clearly worked so that he could minister effectively, and I think be a better model to those that were in the same boat. He worked, but his life and focus was ministry. Because he did this, he was able to move where ever, and support himself for long periods of time. I believe that this also is an example to the church, of their own ability to be effective ministers. This model calls people into a place of responsibility, and ministry. As I have said before, in this model, you don't ever really retire, you just retire into full-time ministry.


I also started thinking about the whole model of how we do church. Its generally so formal, and liturgical. What would it be like to have a church that was more informal, one where things were more spontaneous, where we valued relationships above religion, where praise and worship flowed out of the joy of being together, sometimes just breaking out spontaneously as good music played? What if there was a place where healings and miracles and testimonies were experienced and celebrated regularly?


One wonders how many people go to church for the social interaction before and after the service? What would happen if a church 'service' was actually mostly that - social interaction? One wonders how many people go to church, just to feel God do something? What if the main draw of the service was the presence of God and He just did stuff, and we celebrated it as He did it? This really gets under my skin, because I like plans and schedules and order and logical flow, and control. What if that's not what the Lord wants?


Thinking outside the box here, thinking outside the box of what we have learned as the model for church. What if the pastoring was done by everyone? What if the majority of the church walked in a ministry mind set and understood they were active ministers? What if the message that was delivered was short, powerful, and left the people wanting more, and that more was available online..? What if there wasn't a focus on presentation and performance, but rather participation?


What if the culture of the church was modeled after the ministry of Jesus, valuing what He valued, ministering like He ministered? Again, not saying the present model is bad, but opening the door for some new, or really old thinking on the subject. Jesus' ministry times don't seem to be so much planned events, but rather the result of crowds gathering, or entering into new territory or towns. Ministry seemed to be accomplished at a personal level, in the midst of the crowds. Surely hundreds and thousands were drawn to Jesus, and He healed them all, and the model we see represented was that of one-on-one ministration - but we also have the example of people being healed from afar, or without Jesus explicit knowledge, or conscious thought. Also, its clear that Jesus had heart for the poor, downtrodden, sick, sinner, and needy, really everyone that is usually less than desirable.


Jesus delegated authority and responsibility to his disciples and apostles, people were ministered to by them, as well as by Jesus. Much of Jesus in depth teaching happened in the private 'small group' meeting following the public gathering. Here Jesus passed on the understanding and knowledge to the disciples. It was in this private setting that He firmly established in His disciples the teaching of the Kingdom, which he demonstrated in the public settings. Clearly he also taught the masses, but he used the private sessions to make sure the disciples understood what He was really saying.


All this is really more questions than answers, and it has me thinking, just looking at things and wondering how it could be different.


Lord, we look to You for wisdom and understanding and direction! We want to see You glorified in all the world.

God Confirm's His Words

This morning I turned to 1 Thessalonians, and verse 4-5 caught my eye.


(NIV)1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."


(NIV)Mark 16:20
"Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."


(NIV)Acts 14:3
"So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders."


I have been thinking about the reality of the Holy Spirit in me and in the Church.  The Holy Spirit working in and through me provides the ability to confirm that He is real and His words are true. Words apart from these proofs and confirmations are just words. I believe that the Lord intended to enable the Church to walk in power, so that we could prove that God is real. 


This is part of God's loving plan. He doesn't want us to bet our eternal destiny on just words. He doesn't want us to remain under the power of principalities and spiritual entities that exist and oppress and attack us. He doesn't want us to be helpless before sickness and disease.


In Heaven there is no sickness, death, sadness or work of the enemy. Jesus' Kingdom on earth, is meant to prove the existance of His heavenly realm, and the way that He has chosen to demonstrate this is by working through the people of the Church, and demonstrating these realities, here and now.


Lord, so many of us have never experienced this reality - we humbly ask that You will move in power and confirm Your words through the Church. We want to see You glorified and recognized, and the truth of Your words proven to all the world.

Jesus is Risen, and the Disciples Fear and Doubt

This morning I am reading the resurrection accounts and a few things have struck me:


(NIV)Matthew 28:1, 8-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
[8] So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. [9] Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”


It was the women who were unafraid to go and see Jesus tomb. It was the women who were going to anoint his body (Mark and Luke). It was the women who first saw Jesus after He rose from the dead. It was the women who were faithful to their relationship with Him. I think that we can draw some truth from these accounts of the women - namely that Jesus will respond to love and faithfulness in our relationship with Him. He will be seen. He will be encountered.


The other verse that caught my eye was: (NIV)Matthew 28:17
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.


This verse takes place in Galilee, after the resurrection, after they have heard He has Risen, and after He showed himself to them. Yet even after all this some still persisted in their doubt. After Pentecost there was no more doubt, but in this state of grieving and weakness they still doubted. I am glad that at this point Jesus didn't dump the ones that doubted and feared, but trusted that they would ultimately be the men and women that He knew they were.


I guess that we could say that Jesus was totally confident in the people He chose, and totally confident in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. He was unafraid that the great commission was being placed into the hands of a weak, fearful, doubting group of people. This is an encouraging word to me, as i know my heart and its doubts and fears. If Jesus is confident in those that doubted and feared after they were eyewitnesses to His resurrection, then He is confident in His choice of me, despite my limitations and struggles with faithlessness.


Its not me, its Him living in me, that He is confident in! That is what He purchased, that is what He paid for! He knows His sacrifice was successful, and He knows my heart, and He is confident. Praise God!

The Day After Jesus Died

This morning I read through the Gospels, looking at the response and time following Jesus burial. It interesting to me that they were in a hurry to get him buried, because the next day was the sabbath. It says in Mark and Luke that the women who were going to bring the spices and anoint Jesus' body waited until the first day of the week, after the sabbath was completed, to visit the tomb. So that means all the disciples were at least celebrating the Sabbath, and did no work, transporting the spices would have been considered work. They were recognizing the religious duties and rules, while their Lord and King was laying in the tomb, unattended.

They had just finished celebrating the Passover where they were sitting together remembering how God had saved Israel from Egypt, how He had moved in power through the plagues to free Israel from their enslavement. They were just finished celebrating how through the blood of the Lamb, God passed over their people and instead brought judgement to the Egyptians. They apparently completely missed the significance of what they just witnessed concerning Jesus, how He was the sacrificial Lamb, whose blood would save them from God's judgement.


Now they were celebrating the day of rest in memory of when God had finished His creative work and rested. Jesus said on the cross, "it is finished!" And now it truly was finished. They apparently missed the significance of what God had just accomplished through Jesus sacrifice.


In Luke 24:13-32 it records how Jesus appeared to two of them on there way to Emmaus, and had to explain everything to them, beginning with Moses. They, in turn went back and explained it all to the rest. I think it was only at this point that they started to put it all together, and really start to understand what had really just happened.


I think about how often, I miss the significance of what God is doing, or has just done, all around me, and through Jesus. So often I am so focused on my own disappointment and situations, that i might be right in the middle of the greatest thing God has ever done for me, and I totally am missing it, because my eyes are internally focused. Its only afterwards that God, in His mercy, helps me to see what He was doing. I think He would prefer that I see it and recognize His work in the midst, rather than afterwards. Lord, I pray that You will help me to get beyond my own circumstances and perspective and see what You are really doing.


Additionally, how often do we celebrate Jesus death and resurrection by going to church and going through the religious ritual and totally miss the point of what God accomplished. Lord, help us to understand and recognize what You did, and what we are really celebrating. Help us to move beyond the religious ritual and experience the truth of Your resurrection! We don't want to miss what is really the most significant event in history, since creation.

Two Thoughts on Jesus' Crucifiction

Today, being Good Friday, I want to try and focus on Jesus' crucifiction today. Lord, we are so not worthy of Your sacrifice, but yet so grateful that You became the eternal sacrifice for us.

This morning I read all four gospel accounts of the crucifiction. I had a couple of thoughts while doing so. First, that Jesus experienced deeply the rejection that was upon him. If we were to think of any rejection we have ever experienced, a rejection from a job application, being dumped by a girlfriend or boyfriend, failing at some thing, this was so much worse. I know the emotional pain of rejection, but this was rejection into torture and death. I know what it feels like to have your heart torn out by someone you thought you loved, imagine that pain times a billion, then throw on the physical torture and beating. That is only part of what Jesus suffered. As I said before, we can't even comprehend the spiritual suffering of being rejected and separated from the Father.


The other reflection was that many of the people that followed Him sill stood by him, most notably His mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, John and some few others. I could almost imagine that they were waiting and hoping right up to the very end, that Jesus would suddenly just come down off the cross and prove to all that He was who He said He was. I can imagine their impassioned pleas and prayers, and then their dejection and utter despair when He died. It was a brutal experience, anyway you think about it.


Lord we are not worthy, and yet by Your death, You paid the price for us all!  We will thank You for all eternity!

They Were All Scattered

I am reading the different accounts of the last supper today. As I was reading both Matthew and Mark's accounts, I was reminded of the fact that all the disciples fell away from Jesus at this most critical time. As Jesus says in Mark 14:

(NIV)Mark 14:27
“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

I am not exactly encouraged by this verse, but I see the reality of the fact that they had followed Jesus, some for three years, and seen all the miracles that He performed and been witnesses to His kingdom, and yet they all deserted Him. They were more worried about themselves than they were about Jesus, when it really came down to it. I see myself here...so often I willingly desert Jesus because some thing comes against me, or draws me away.

Another thing that is interesting is that after Jesus announces that one of the 12 would betray Him, in Matthew, Mark and Luke, it says the apostles started to question among themselves, and even ask Jesus, which of them would do this. Rather than strong denial, they question. I think this might be indicative of the fact that many, in their own hearts, still wondered if they were doing the right thing, if Jesus truly was the Messiah. He certainly wasn't doing all the things they thought He would - like claim the throne, etc. Their hearts apparently weren't fully given to Him.

I also think of the time in the garden when Jesus asked them to keep watch and pray, yet they all succumbed to their tiredness, their flesh overcoming their desire to obey Jesus. How often am I unwilling to overcome my own flesh (tiredness, hunger, laziness, etc. to obey Him?

Lord, clearly our wills, or hearts and our flesh are not strong enough to follow You on our own. We need help Lord.

I am reminded of when Jesus breathed on the disciples after He rose from the dead. It seems to me that they needed to be encouraged and strengthened at that point.

(NIV)John 20:21-23
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [22] And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

Lord, its clear to me that I need more strength, I ask that You would breathe on me. Holy Spirit I invite you into my being, that You might indwell me like never before. I ask You to fill me with power, and all the fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23) That I might fully follow You and set my heart fully on You!

Jesus' Sorrow in the Garden

Continuing my study of Jesus last day(s) continues with His time in the garden:


(NIV)Mark 14:33-34
He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. [34] “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”


Jesus statement that His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death is really revealing of the level of His understanding of what He was about to undergo. To this point, He had not experienced anything that would cause Him to be sorrowful, so this surely had to do with His impending suffering and death. This could also be the start of the loading onto Him of the sins of the world, for he clearly bore them all - Isaiah 53:12.


I also think this was related to His embracing the physical suffering He would have to endure. He knew what was coming, Isaiah prophesied about it, and I am sure the Father told Him as well. He was fully man, having emptied himself, and now was embracing suffering as a man. He couldn't just make the pain go away, or heal himself, for it was the Father's and His will that He suffer and die, as the sacrifice. This is chosen, and embraced, but not without realization of what price He would pay, and it was overwhelming.


(NIV)Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

I am sure that the spiritual pain He had was far worse than the physical. He who was one with the Father, is now separated from the Father because of the sin (our sin) that He took upon himself. That constant loving communication, severed because of our sin. Additionally, I imagine that like any parent, who's child is suffering, would willing take that suffering upon themselves, Jesus not only feels this way, but does this for all men and women! What an incredible self sacrifice.


(NIV)Luke 22:44
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.


We know that there is a medical condition called Hematidrosis where under extreme duress a person can literally sweat blood. Jesus is brought to that point in the garden, before He suffered any of the physical torture He was about to endure. As painful and terrible as the scourging and Crucifixion were, this pain of His soul was worse.


Lord, we can only slightly understand what You were enduring for our sake. We are so grateful for Your sacrifice on our behalf, for we know that it is through this sacrifice that you paid the price for our sin, and redeemed us!

God's Treasure in Us!

In continuing my meditation, looking towards Easter, I am reading from Luke 22:

(NIV)Luke 22:19-20
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” [20] In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

The new covenant that Jesus is referring to is linked to Jer. 31:31

(NIV)Jeremiah 31:31-33
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. [32] It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, ” declares the Lord. [33] “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

I am filled with hope when I read this passage from Jeremiah. When combined with the verses I read yesterday and the day before about the Fathers Love being in us, Jesus Himself being in us, His joy being in us, the Holy Spirit being in us (Jn 17:13, 26; Jn 20:22 ) and now His law being in us, I am greatly encouraged that God is putting everything we need into us!

What an incredible treasure we have in God! The fact is that by Your death Jesus, You made this great treasure possible. You had planned and made known since the time of Jeremiah that You were going to establish a new covenant. Who would have guessed at that time, that it would be through Your own blood that You would open the way for You to come and take up residence in our hearts, and pour into us these great treasures. How can we not celebrate Your sacrifice and power?

God's Love For Jesus Within Us!

Continuing my reading of John 17, the following verse caught my attention:

(NIV)John 17:26
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.”

Another one of those mind blowing statements and prayers that Jesus prays. He prays that two things might be in us, the Love the Father has for Him, and secondly, that. He might be in us too.

First the Love the Father has for Him, is beyond any measure. If You were to take the Love God has for every person, and all creation and bundle it together it wouldn't compare to the Love the Father has for the Son. I believe that we could even say this is the most powerful thing in all eternity - the Love of the Father and Son, and Jesus is praying that it will be within us. Wow!

Also, I've heard it said the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, is the Physical manifestation of the love that the Father and Son have for each other. So, in a very real way, Jesus' prayer is answered by the Holy Spirit coming to us and residing in us, when we are saved. That is a direct answer to this prayer.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Jesus, so clearly His (Holy Spirit) coming to us fulfills the second prayer as well. For what other Spirit would Jesus have within Himself, except the Holy Spirit? We are all triune beings, body, mind and spirit, and so was Jesus. So, He literally sends us part of Himself, to be with us. Amazing!

All of this is only made possible through the sacrifice the Jesus made for us all. For its in His death and resurrection, that we are made righteous, and our sins are forgiven. Its through His sacrifice that the veil that separates God from man is torn in two. It is for restoration of intimacy with God that Jesus gave himself freely.

Lord, we clearly will never fully understand the glorious reality of this all. Help us to more fully live in this reality, the reality that Your love and Spirit is within us, and as such, we have within us the most powerful force in all eternity. Help us to discover this, and embrace this truth.

For the Joy Set Before Him

Continuing my meditation leading up to Easter, I was thinking much about the following verses:

(NIV)John 17:4, 13
"I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. [13] “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them."

Specifically verse 13, where Jesus says that He has completed the work the Father gave him to do. He clearly hadn't gone through His Passion and death, or His resurrection, but was saying the work was completed in the Father's eyes. One of the commentaries I read said that this is how the Father relates to us all, not as we are, but we are in our future perfected state. I guess, seeing the beginning and the end is helpful perspective, which is a complete understatement.

Also, these verses clearly indicates Jesus is looking forward to all that He will endure, and speaks about the full measure of joy that He has while looking toward His brutal Passion and death. Hebrews 12 says the following:

(NIV)Hebrews 12:2
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

So Jesus, as He looks forward, sees the Joy of the completed sacrifice, the salvation and redemption of those who are His. He sees the results, understands the sacrifice and is filled with joy by it all. In fact, He wanted His disciples to be filled with the same joy that He had, being filled to the full measure of His joy. Another one of those unfathomable statements.

He was, by His obedience into death, going to provide the way for all people to be restored to relationship with the Father. He was going to pay the price for all sins. He was going to shatter the power of the enemy. He was going to break the bonds of death. He said that all the angels in heaven rejoice over a single sinner who repents, what must the celebration been like in heaven when the veil was torn in two?

So, as we contemplate the Passion and death of Jesus, let us remember His joy, and His prayer that we might be filled to the full measure of His joy.