Spoken Words vs. God's Word

On Sunday during worship I had some interesting insight, that I thought was worth digging into a bit more.  I was looking at some scripture in Exodus and Genesis, specifically about the Levites, and ran across something that grabbed my attention. 

In Genesis, as Jacob is getting ready to die, he calls his sons together and speaks prophetically over them.  I remember reading the bit about Judah, and Jacob rightly prophesies that Judah will ultimately rule over the other tribes.  Since I was looking at the tribe of the Levites, I thought I would read what Jacob said about them, and these are the verses - Genesis 49:5-7 NIV:

[5] “Simeon and Levi are brothers---their swords are weapons of violence. 

[6] Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. 

[7] Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel."

To say I was surprised would be an understatement.  I was expecting (in my poor memory of these verses) something along the line of what Jacob prophesied over Judah, that Levi would serve God, and was chosen by God for this special honor, or something positive at least.  Instead Simeon and Levi are essentially cursed, and told that they will be dispersed and lose any significance.  Wow, imagine having heard that in the presence of all your brothers!  I am sure they were rocked, they might have been mocked, and from that day forward the people of the tribe of Levi must have felt under a heavy word.  

As I was reflecting on all of this, one of our pastoral team got up and spoke an encouragement to those that had been with family over the holidays, and specifically those that had difficult situations.  As I was listening to him, I was thinking of so many people that I knew who lived under the shackles of harsh or critical words spoken about them, or over them by family members, former teachers, bosses, friends, or whoever.  Often these words become turning points, as they become internalized, and people live the rest of their lives trying to prove those words aren't correct, or they live in agreement and allow themselves to be limited by them, suffering self-esteem issues, even self-hatred.  There are those that I know that spend their lives trying to gain their parents approval, because of harsh or hurtful words that were spoken to them as children.  There are those that experience this afresh when they see family over the holidays.  I imagine that Levi, and all the Levites had a similar experience following this word being spoken over their lives, and relived it over an over again.

However, I must say that this is clearly not the end of the story for the Levites, because God had a different plan, and He had a different word He was going to speak over them.  I think the first indication of change was that Moses was born into tribe of Levi (See Exodus 2:1).  There are several references to Levites  in the story of Exodus, but rather than focus on them I want to look at how God spoke about the Levites in Numbers 3:11-13 NIV:

[11] The Lord also said to Moses, [12] “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, [13] for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.” 

What a completely different word God spoke concerning the Levites!  In fact later, as the promised land was being allotted, the Levites weren't given an inheritance of land, as noted here - Joshua 13:33 NIV: "But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them."

Not only is the tribe of Levi claimed by God, "they are to be mine", He (God) is their inheritance! 

Wow, wow, wow!  What a complete change of destiny!  

This is my great encouragement today!  God's word is the only word we should listen to in our lives, concerning our destiny!  His word is the FINAL word!  He sees our true value, our true purpose, our true destiny.  Our parents, former teachers, bosses, false friends, co-workers, coaches, or whoever has spoken negative words into your life, don't have the final say!  God's word can set you free!  

I am sure that the former words of Jacob, although written in their books of Law, no longer had any weight in the lives of the Levites, after they heard God say He chose them, they were His, and He was theirs!

My prayer today is that the power of any such word, spoken over anyone I know, or who reads this, will be broken by Jesus!  For His words are simple and true.  I love You, I have chosen You and You are mine!

Amen and Amen!

Quarreling With God?

A couple of mornings ago I was reading in Psalm 95 which is an interesting Psalm.  Half of it is praising God for His greatness, and then it shifts and warns the people not to harden their hearts like the Israelites did at Meribah.  Here are the first two verses, then the shift to the second theme - Psalm 95:1-2,8-9 NIV:

[1] "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. [2] Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 

[8] “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, [9] where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did."

I remembered a bit of the story referred to here, but also thought it would be good to reread, as clearly something significant happened at Meribah.  I was also reminded that this episode in Israel's history was referenced in the Letter to the Hebrews, and I wanted to look at that before going back to Exodus 17, which is where the encounter is described.  Here is the bit titled in my NIV "Warning Against Unbelief" from Hebrews 3:7-13 NIV:

[7] "So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, [8] do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, [9] where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. [10] That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.' [11] So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' ” 

[12] See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. [13] But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

Clearly this was a serious issue in Israel's history, and it appears to have been one of the events that caused Israel to spend 40 years in the wilderness.  Whatever happened there is described as "the rebellion (verse 7, Hebrews), and the author of Hebrews describes this as the sin of unbelief.  With this perspective I turned to Exodus 17, expecting something pretty significant, but I couldn't remember the details exactly.  Here is the total account from Moses - Exodus 17:1-7 NIV:

[1] The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. [2] So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” 

Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?” 

[3] But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” 

[4] Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 

[5] The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. [6] I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. [7] And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

That is the whole story, and I must say I was a bit underwhelmed.  In fact, I found myself somewhat agreeing with the people in the first couple of verses, so I figured there must be a bit more to this story, so I did a bit more reading, trying to understand the context and the significance of this event, for it was referenced a couple different times.  It is important to note that this is before Mount Sinai, before the 10 commandments are given, and before the "Golden Calf" incident.  However it immediately follows the Lord providing Manna every morning, and quail every evening.  

Additionally, they were being led by God who used the pillar of cloud or fire to direct their path. They had not been in the wilderness very long, so the memory of the crossing of the Red Sea should have been fresh in their minds.  God led them specifically to Rephidim, which actually means place of beds, or rest. They were led to camp here and clearly God knew there was no water, and knew that He had promised to feed them morning and night.  The author of Hebrews calls it a time of testing, and the whole set-up was apparently, exactly that, a set-up, where the Lord could determine the state of the hearts of the people, and assess their belief.

Into this context, I started looking at the account.  From the text the conflict seems to happen in verse 2, where we are told they quarreled with Moses. They wanted water, which seems to be a very reasonable request, and they went to Moses, as God's clear representative asking for it.  The original Hebrew word, 'wayyare' here translated quarreled, is used in several other verses in scripture, and most often it is translated "contends with", however in 1  Sam 15 the word i is used to describe an ambush the people of Israel attacked the Amelakites. In other words, it is a serious and possibly one-sided conflict, more like a slaughter than an argument.  The people weren't asking nicely, in fact the possibility of the threat of physical violence could be in the realm of possibility, and they might have had stones in their hands.

When I look at this situation, it seems to me to be an accusation of unmet expectation. Now, there is some reasonableness, water is necessary for life, especially in the desert, but it is the way in which they approached the issue that seems to be the issue.  They didn't ask nicely, they didn't inquire of the Lord, they didn't wait for Him to provide, what was clearly needed and understood, they didn't pray, they demanded water, violently.  

As I was thinking through this situation, several personal situations popped into my mind where I had unmet expectations on the Lord, and I was reminded of my own actions, which could totally be labeled unbelief.  I try diligently to follow the Lord in every major decision, and there have been a few times, where following Him has led me into a difficult situation, or situation that was not what I imagined it would be.  The latter is more common.  

When God speaks into my life I am always believing it will work out for the best, and by best I mean, the best I can imagine, or more specifically "what I would like to happen".  It is probably not actually the best for me, but I am pretty self-focused and often look at my finances as a major indicator of God's provision, and blessing.  I have been led into jobs that ended, jobs where I ended up being laid off, and I remember very clearly turning to God, and saying something like, "Is this what You call provision?"  

Honestly, plenty of the time I am praying and seeking the Lord, and tying my best to humbly wait on Him, but there are times that an underlying accusation rises up, and that is the result of unbelief.  This thought that God has led me here to starve or die of thirst (figuratively), rises up and I find myself agreeing with it.  This is the same sin as the Israelites committed here in Meribah. 

If I wanted to identify these similar thoughts or actions, I could put together a list:

1) I didn't sign up for this God!

2) You clearly don't know what's best for me, so I will choose a different path!

3) I have been waiting on You for the fulfillment of this promise, but You have never fulfilled it so I am going to make it happen!

4) If you don't do this for me, I am going to walk away!

5) If You loved me...

6) I am done with this... church... job ... marriage (anything entered into while following the Lord).

I could go on and on, but I think for me this list will suffice.  The truth is there has been, and continues to be, a bit of unbelief in my life.  I don't want to wait on God (He would have surely provided water in time to save them).  I don't believe His plan is the best for me, because difficulty and struggle clearly can't be good for me (tongue firmly in my cheek on that statement).  I am too self-focused and selfish to look at the bigger picture, and I believe my own thoughts and expectations more than I believe His word and promises.  Ouch, that last one really hit home. 

So, what am I to do?  

I believe the answer can be found in Heb 3: 12-13.  I need to turn towards God, this requires repentance (literally turning my mind and heart), seek His forgiveness, and daily encourage myself, and the Body, that God is faithful, good, loving, merciful and compassionate!  

He knows my situation!  

He has a plan!  

His plan is perfect!  

I need to wait on the Lord, and put the stone  of accusation down.  

I need to believe that He will lead me and guide me. 

I need to trust Him!

I need to believe Him!

I need to do exactly what He tells me to do, nothing more, and nothing less!

I need to ask for more faith! 

God does totally get it!  He understands my situation better than I do, and He is faithful!  He is faithful to lead me, even when I choose wrongly.  He is faithful to continue to love me and direct me, even when I don't trust Him.  He is faithful to forgive me when I take matters into my own hands.  He has already taken upon Himself any punishment my actions would have earned under the Law, so I don't need to fear His punishment.  I can turn towards Him, and enter His rest, immediately!  

I certainly don't deserve this love, or faithfulness on God's part, but that is  what the Gospel is all about!  None of us deserves any goodness, faithfulness or provision, and yet God in His unbelievable mercy and love, extends the offer to us all!   

Lord, help me to recognize any area where my heart is hardened and help me turn towards You.  Forgive me for any and all unbelief that still exists in my heart and mind!  Help me to believe!  Help me to trust!  Help me to wait on Your perfect plan!

Amen!

New Revelation: Layers Of Additional Meanings

 

Last night we had a time of worship at our church.  It was a lovely time, and in the midst of it, the Lord was encouraging me in some of the some of my recent reflections to embrace fully a changed mind.  I felt Him gently drawing me back to look fully upon Him, taking my eyes off those distracting things.  As I was working through some of that I was reminded of the Story of the wayward son, found in Luke 15: 11-32.  This is one of my favorite stories and as I was rereading it I had a couple of thoughts that were completely new to me, and I believe they were just the tiniest bit of new revelation (at least to me).  I love when the Lord opens my eyes to something new, seeing a new layer of potential meaning.  It is almost like a rose just continuing to open, revealing additional layers of beauty.

Jesus was telling this parable to a mixed crowd of His followers and Tax Collectors, sinners and Pharisees ( See Luke 15:1-3), and it was the third Parable we have recorded from that day.  Any He begins the story about a wealthy Father who has two sons, and he details the failings and wanderings of the younger son, but also includes the reaction of the older son, when the younger finally comes home, and the father celebrates.  I wanted to share those verses and look at a few thoughts - Luke 15:25-32 NIV:

[25] “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [27] 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 

[28] “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [29] But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' 

[31] “ 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. [32] But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' ”

What I heard last night were some additional levels to this story, that I hadn't thought of previously.  When Jesus speaks, there is usually more than one perspective, and usually deeper meanings as well as the most obvious.  

Clearly in the context of the crowd He was addressing, at first pass, the younger son represents the repentant sinners and tax collectors, those that were turning from "evil" lives to follow Him,.  The older son represented the Pharisees, those that followed the Law.  If you will, we could even go so far as saying the younger son represents the soon to be revealed New Covenant and the Gospel of Grace, the older son represents the Covenant of the Law.  While that was always a bit of an undeveloped thought for me, last night I saw it much clearer.  We could even go so far as to say the younger son represents the Gentiles, and the Older son represents the Jews.  Jesus is clearly the greatest prophet to have ever lived, and I believe He was laying the foundation for what would later be revealed and fulfilled through His sacrifice, and the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

One other thing that passed my mind was that we could possibly say that older and younger sons represent the angelic hosts and humans.  The spirit of the older son would, in this case, clearly be representing the fallen angels, for their rebellion and hatred towards God's other image bearers, man and woman.  I had never ever thought of that parallel, but I think its possible something is there worth reflecting upon. 

Additionally, another nuance I saw was the story being applied to the church today, and the new believers representing the younger son, the older son representing those that have embraced a bit of a religious spirit that has somehow convinced them that they have earned some right to payment (having things their way), or control from the Father.  In this case, the answer of the older son, "this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes" reveals an unforgiveness of the younger brother, even possibly a belief that he is tainted, or somehow is bringing his former sinful ways, or the fruit of them, back to the Father's house.  One could say that the older son feels the younger son doesn't deserve to be celebrated, and certainly not in charge of anything, until he demonstrates that his life is cleaned up, and earns the right to it.  I have unfortunately seen this attitude alive and well in the church, and even at times have had similar thoughts.  Lord forgive me!

One last thought on the older son, I also felt like he represents those of us who have judged the Lord for things not working out the way we wanted them to.  He represents those of us who have followed the Lord to the best of our ability, working and being obedient, and seeing others prosper, or be blessed, and wondering why God hasn't produced what we wanted or expected.  Ouch, that one certainly hits close to home for me.

In all of these nuances, I feel the Father's answer to the older son is an invitation to change the way he views Him, and to change the way he thinks about his situation.  The Father is celebrating the repentance (changing his thinking and actions) of the younger son, and I am sure He would celebrate the repentance of the older son as well!  The Father clearly understood the older son, and actually did the exact same thing that He did for the younger son, he went to him.  The Father's answer of intimacy "you are always with me" and promise of blessing and provision, "and everything I have is yours" have always been true, but he wants the older son to see that once again!  He is inviting the older son (those of us that are embracing this way of thinking) to lay down his offence, embrace the truth and change the way he thinks of the Father, and of his brother, who has already repented.

Oh, that we could learn to imitate the Father, celebrating the return of the lost, remember that we, too, were once lost, and embrace the invitation to intimacy and promise of blessings available to us!  Lord, help us to represent Your heart to all we meet, sinner or fellow brother or sister in this Your family.  Help us to lay down our wrong judgments, our wrong ways of thinking, and embrace Love, mercy and the Gospel of Grace.

Amen and Amen!

Living a Fragrant Life

This early morning I am reflecting on some verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 5:1-4 NASB:

[1] "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; [2] and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 

[3] But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; [4] and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

My first thoughts in reading these verses this morning is that they seem polar opposites, and I think that one of the points Paul is developing here.  As I look at the relative importance of the two sets of verses, I believe our focus should be on the first two verses rather than the second two verses.  So often though, it seems we hear much more about the second set of verses, and the following few verses that I have not included here.  

My thinking is that if we are imitating Christ Jesus, and representing the Father, as His sons and daughters, and walking in love, then much of what we are warned against in verses three and four should be minimal issues.   However, a bit later on, Paul ascribes the actions in verses three and four as idolatry, and I think He is dead right.  We don't like to think of ourselves as idol worshippers, but I am guessing that anyone from this ancient time, if viewing our lives, would see idolatry alive and well in our culture.  We have phones on us, staring at them constantly, we have games we play, movies and TV shows we "must" watch, we live our lives connected to social media, and all these seem to be taking the place of God and His Word in our lives.  We chase after money, luxuries, and want what we want, often not thinking about the lowly or needy, or how we could sever the Lord with our finances. We have become so busy chasing busyness and things, that we no longer have time or attention for God.  Its hard to imitate someone we don't hang out with regularly.

Again, going back to verses one and two, we are encouraged to walk in love, a love that is representative of the way Jesus loved us.  He was constantly interacting with people, calling them to their greater purpose, inviting them to follow Him. Sure, His invitation often included a command to walk away from sin, but it was always in reference to gaining something far greater!  We have been invited into the very family of God, as His beloved children.  He has demonstrated His love for us, and continues to pour forth that love upon us daily.  If we could live rooted and grounded in that love, and walk throughout our days, actively loving those around us, I daresay we wouldn't have much time to worship our busyness, social media, and material idols. 

Paul is essentially espousing a replacement of one type of life-style with a different one.  He is encouraging the Ephesians to recognize which character traits and behaviors belong to which focus, either imitating God, or embracing the world. The greater the contrast between them the easier it is to see where we are aligned, and which ones we are pursuing ourselves.  As in all life-style changes, often the battle is won in the moment by moment decisions and thoughts throughout the day.  If we can begin our day spending time with the Lord, looking for ways we can imitate Him, and walking in love, we can at least start this day heading in His direction.  If we can then bring an awareness of Him and trying to imitate Him into our day, consciously choosing to turn towards Him again and again, we will find our lives becoming fragrant to Him.  

I am encouraged this morning to look closely at my life and my actions throughout the day, to see which direction I am tending towards.  I want make sure that if I find myself, throughout the day, turning away from focusing on the Lord, that I stop and turn back towards Him!. I want to choose to walk in love, to work at imitating my Lord in thought and in deed. I want my life to have a sweet aroma to my Lord!  I want my life to draw others towards Him, that they would see the effects of living in a relationship of love with Him, and desire that for themselves.  I want the Lord to be more important than anything else in this life, the only one I worship.

Amen and Amen! 

Jesus: Alive, Well and Reigning

This morning I have been reading a bit of Paul's second letter to Timothy and one of the things Paul wrote got me thinking.  Here are the verses - 2 Timothy 2:8-10 NIV:

[8] "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, [9] for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. [10] Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory."

As I read verse 8, I thought to myself, "that is an interesting way to sum up the Gospel."  I guess if someone were to ask me to sum up the Gospel, I would definitely not include descended from David, at least in my first thoughts.  

This got me thinking about the  faith subjects that I think about most often, and it led me to the conclusion that I often am focused on the ministry of Jesus, rather than His Crucifixion and Resurrection, which is really the turning point of history.  I believe Paul includes the reference to David, as a way of framing, and founding this amazing plan of God in the Word and history of the Jews.   He believes that is important, as without that understanding we don't have the proper context for Jesus' life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension and established Kingdom.  

Paul was so confident in this Gospel that He preached it unto his death.   He  endured much that he might faithfully bear witness to Jesus, and instruct "the elect" in everything, continuing to encourage them to hold fast to this Gospel.  His perseverance was much more than a life-style, it was a loyalty and dedication to Jesus, His savior, the Messiah, the Risen One!  His Gospel was lived out daily, and defended ardently, because it was embodied in Jesus Christ, now Risen and alive. 

As I think over this, I realize that for me, I too often find myself relating to the historical Jesus, that which is provided to us in Gospel accounts, rather than to the alive and Risen Jesus, who is alive, every bit as much today as He was in Paul's day.  I worship Him, and pray to Him and interact daily with Him, but if I were to be asked to describe Him, or think about Him, I tend to defer to that which is written in the Word, rather than speaking of Him as I know Him in my life today. 

This morning, I find myself encouraged to change the way I think about Jesus throughout the day.  I am encouraged to look to Him as He is, alive and well and interacting today!  I am encouraged to embrace this changed thought pattern to learn to think of Jesus alive and active today, first and foremost.  Lord, help me to change, to revise, to renew my minds defaults and see you as You are, alive and well, resurrected and reigning!

Note: the picture is me today, as I post this, as a reminder that Jesus is just as alive, He is just as present, He is not a historical figure only. 

Amen!

Something Completely Different

This morning I have been reflecting on Isaiah, chapter 19, which if you haven't read, is one that is quite surprising.  Reading the first verse, it seems like many of the other prophetic announcements, found in the major and minor prophetic books, against one of Israel's enemies, the nation of Egypt.  Here is the beginning - Isaiah 19:1 NIV:

[1] "A prophecy against Egypt: See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear."

I was imagining Isaiah writing this down, in His prophetic flow, whatever that looked like, and then the Lord, shifts the theme and Isaiah find himself writing things he had never heard nor thought before.  I am reminded of a Monty Python skit called "Now for Something Completely Different". By the time he finishes this chapter, his final verse is as follows - Isaiah 19:25 NIV:

[25] "The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance. ”

These two verses represent a magnificent 180 degree change, or do they?

If God is always the same, unchanging, past, present and future, (see Heb 13:8) then these verses don't represent a change, but rather an unveiling of a deeper flow of God's heart for the people of Egypt.  I believe this deeper love for Egypt, while often not seen, represents God's true feelings towards them.

I was thinking that a couple of famous verses, also found in Isaiah's prophecies, are almost an apology from God to Isaiah.  God says through him in Isaiah 55:7-9 NIV:

[7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 

[9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

This theme of the repentance of wicked people, and God having mercy on them, is the core of the Gospel message, which Jesus fulfilled, and announced.  Many people, couldn't understand this apparently radical visitation of grace and mercy upon sinners, and Isaiah, while the speaking forth the very theme, probably had some serious questions as well.  God in His mercy, brought clarity.  

He doesn't think like us, nor can we think like Him!

He doesn't act like us (thankfully)!

Most of us, myself included, have very little depth of understanding of God and His ways.  We cruise along, holding onto a shallow, at best, understanding of God and His ways and Word, and think ourselves mature, or at least comfortable with our knowledge of God.  Then God does something or speaks something that rocks our understanding.  In that moment, we receive a bit of revelation, which we think opens up a door of insight to God's hidden ways, and we are correct, to a degree.  However, it is my belief that there is always greater depth, and deeper ways to God, that we will never grasp, even when we see Him face to face!  

Using the imagery of Egypt in scripture as an example, it was both a blessing and a curse to the Jews.  It initially was a place of shelter and abundance, even multiplication to the Jews, under Joseph, but soon became an enslaving nation. Later, in Matt 2, we see God sending Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt to escape the killing plans of Herod, so Egypt was again a shelter for the very Son of God, not just His people.  Possibly these verses from Isaiah represent this very thing, the Blessing of God released on Egypt for their role in protecting Jesus.  I think that is probably a bit of an over-reach.

What I think we are seeing here in Isaiah 19, is the uncovering of God's truer feeling for the nation of Egypt, and the Assyrians ( which include present day Iraq and Iran).  When I say truer, I mean that we probably haven't actually plumbed the full depth of God's feelings for them, but He definitely loves them, and calls them His people.

Now, taking this thematic idea of God's seemingly deeper love, mercy and compassion towards those we would think of as His enemies, or at least the enemies of His people, we must revisit our own judgmental attitudes towards them.   Some of our brothers and sisters even go so far as calling down judgment on certain people groups.  I believe that this perspective, while possibly even founded on some scripture, like Isaiah 19:1, probably doesn't represent God's true heart towards these people.  I am reminded of two separate verses from the Gospels.

John 3:16-17 NIV:

[16] "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Matthew 9:11-13 NIV:

[11] "When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

I believe that Jesus' life and words best represent God's heart towards the world, towards all that are in the world, even towards those that are sinners and even possibly considered enemies of His church.  This is a very large stretch for most of us, but God doesn't limit Himself to our thoughts or our ways.  He is God, unchanging, and His plans, thoughts, emotions and purposes are far beyond our ability to comprehend.  We would, however, do well to emulate Him in his best revelation, His Son Jesus.  We would also do well to humbly accept that we don't actually understand all of God's ways.  

In summary, I am convinced that God sees the world differently than I do.  I am convinced that my grasp of His Word, is at best shallow.  I am convinced that my best path is to try to emulate His Son Jesus, in my life here, that I might represent Him to the best of my ability.  I am further convinced that I will be surprised by God's mercy, compassion and love!  He really is so far beyond my understanding and knowledge, but He is always inviting me deeper.  

Amen!

A Life and Legacy of Love and Faithfulness

This morning I have been reflecting on my life, a bit more than usual, as it was 6 years (plus 4 days) that my Dad passed on into heaven.  If there is one thing I can say that sums up my Dad's life, it would be to say he left a rich legacy of faith and love!  As I look at my life, I wonder if the same could be said of me, and it causes me to reflect, which is a good thing.  

Like usual in the midst of my reflection I like to go to scripture to get a different perspective, and today is no exception.  I started reading John's Gospel, and realized he didn't include his own testimony of the Lord calling him and his brother.  His Gospel is so different than the other three, much more of an eye-witness account, and I found it interesting that he didn't include the brief account that is included by the other Gospels.  Here is the account from Matthew 4:18-22 NIV:

[18] "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. [19] “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” [20] At once they left their nets and followed him. 

[21] Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, [22] and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

Going back to John's Gospel, we find that when he refers to himself, it is often in relationship to Jesus, as the one Jesus loved (See John 13:33). I think this is a good perspective to have in life, that our significance really comes from our relationship with the Lord.  Not in a bragging sort of way, but as the source of identity and purpose and focus.  We are told that John and James, left their father, their boats, everything and followed Jesus.

In some of my past research I realized that James and John were likely the first cousins of Jesus, as it appears that their mother and Jesus' mother Mary were sisters. (see - https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/05/an-interesting-thoughti-wonder.html)  When I realized that, it helped me to understand, a bit more, the verses from Matthew where he describes James and John leaving everything to follow Jesus.  They were already well acquainted with Him, as first cousins, who might even have grown up together or at least seen each other regularly.  That being said, its clear that Jesus didn't begin His active ministry until after His baptism, and I believe that Jesus really did live a basically unremarkable, though perfectly obedient to the Father, life up until that point.  I wrote a few reflections on what I call "Reflections on a Quiet God" and they have to do with Jesus growing up, knowing He is the son of God, but not being released into ministry until He was 30 - they might be helpful.

This morning my reflection is centered on John.  His life, was unremarkable as well, up until that day that Jesus called him and his brother to follow him.  He was a fisherman, raised by a fisherman, living in a fishing village.  I am sure his daily life was focused mostly on fishing, providing sustenance for his family, and the community, for surely they sold their fish in the market.  The question, if you can call it that, that I am considering this morning, is how John lived His life out, after the 3 years of ministry with Jesus?  

It is clear from scripture that he spent those three years living with and following Jesus.  He was one of His most trusted disciples, and after Jesus ascended He was one of the leaders of the newly founded church.  However it was  the other James who was the primary leader of the Church (See Acts 15:13), John's brother James was executed by Herod (Acts 12:2), and Peter was the leader of the active ministry, and John was Peter's companion.  In fact, in the following Acts of the Apostles, we don't hear anything more about John specifically after chapter 8.  In fact, we don't really hear from or about John until he writes His letters and His Gospel, which were written later in His life. 

What we do know from history of the early church is that John was active in ministry in Jerusalem, then Ephesus and eventually Patmos, where he was banished.  According to early writers, "when John was aged, he trained Polycarp who later became Bishop of Smyrna. This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to future generations. Polycarp taught Irenaeus, passing on to him stories about John. Similarly, Ignatius of Antioch was a student of John and later appointed by Saint Peter to be the Bishop of Antioch." ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle). 

Thus, while still recognized as a leader, we see that John was mostly concerned with establishing the church on a solid foundation.  He was a faithful follower and leader, but didn't require the spotlight.  He ministered for the remainder of his life, continuing to to follow the one who called him that day.  His faithfulness, and consistent witness were key to his legacy.  He didn't falter, that we know of, he continued on pursuing the call of His life, and was a faithful witness years after the rest of the Apostles  were gone, all martyred.  He is called by some the Apostle of love, for his first letter resonates with that core commandment.  He encouraged the followers of Jesus to love, as He (Jesus) loved us!  He wrote the following verses in his first letter 1 John 3:11,16-18 NIV:

[11] "For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." 

[16] "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."

In summary, as I reflect on John's life, for a few minutes, I am encouraged that a life of faithfulness and love, a life dedicated to passing on what is known, what has been experienced, and what is most important, being loved by the Lord, is a life worth living, and a legacy worth passing on.  John knew Jesus maybe better than anyone alive, probably from the time of his childhood, and he dedicated his life to continuing Jesus' ministry and message.  He spent many years in obscurity, as a fisherman, then as one of the three most trusted companions, then as a leader dedicated to passing on to others such as Polycarp and Ignatius, Jesus' teachings and ministry of love. He was an eye-witness to Jesus, and his life was his witness. 

My prayer is that my life might be a witness to those that follow, to those that want to know this Jesus.  My prayer is that my relationship with Jesus would be that which is my anchor for my life, that which keeps me faithful and focused.  My prayer is that being "one that Jesus loved" is sufficient for me. My prayer is that my message of love, of loving one another, of loving in action, would be evident in and from my life. 

Amen! 

 

Don't Be Distracted, Waiting For The Wedding!

Last night I had an interesting dream.  I was attending a wedding, and it was a large crowd of people that were gathering, so much so that the facility was filling up with people.  It seemed that there was some delay with the starting of the ceremony, and the longer the delay, the more people that packed the facility to the point that it was standing room only.  As the delay continued, some of the waiting people started singing songs that they knew, and it became a fun almost concert-like environment, where one group would sing something, then another group.  I must confess, I was one who was leading a group of singers.  This went on for probably 15 minutes, and it was quite amazing.  As we finished one song I looked toward the front and realized in the midst of our singing we had totally missed the entrance of the bride and groom, for the wedding ceremony had already started.  That is where I woke up.

I must say every night is an adventure of dreams for me, and this was just one of several dreams I had last night.  However, this one certainly seems full of biblical imagery, and I though it an interesting picture.  We know from scripture that Jesus used the imagery of a wedding a few times.  He described the Kingdom of Heaven as a wedding feast (Matt 22:1-14), He talked about guests who had been invited, and those that chose not to attend. Jesus also talked the return of the master from a wedding banquet, and the need for the servants to be ready and waiting (Luke 12:35-38).  Finally in the Book of Revelations, the second coming of Jesus is called the Wedding of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9).  Finally I am reminded of a couple verses from Peter's second letter where he is writing of the day of the Lord (The second coming of Jesus) - 2 Peter 3:8-10 NIV:

[8] "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

[10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare."

This dream seems to use some similar imagery, but is addressing the waiting period, and the attention of the wedding guests, of which I am clearly one.  I am sure that when Peter wrote those verses about waiting, he had no idea he was actually describing a wait for the second coming that would be two thousand years at least. The early church figured that the second coming was relatively soon, many thought t would happen in their life time, and yet we still are waiting.  

For many in the early church, the second coming was easy to imagine as they still were eye-witnesses to Jesus' actual life, and Ascension to Heaven, so the idea that He would come back in a similar way, soon, made total sense.  However, as the decades and even centuries have gone by, the idea of Jesus coming back, while always a theme, seems to have lost some of its impact.  I know that there are plenty who still preach the second coming, but at this point, we may think they are a bit "religious nutty", or maybe a bit cartoonish, as one carrying a sign announcing "The End is Near!"   

As I reflect at the content of my dream, I would say this an encouragement not to lose sight of why we are actually being gathered.  It is difficult to maintain our focus on the coming of the Bridegroom when He delays his arrival!  We would be wise to be prepared, to maintain our vigil, for we do not know the hour or day (Luke 12:38)  It would be important for us to not get distracted by our own cleverness, our own singing, if you will, and lose sight of the real reason we have been called. 

Sometimes, these days, it seems that we can become more focused on gathering for a great preacher, or gathering for a great worship experience, or even great fellowship, but the truth is that we are gathered, waiting for the Wedding of the Lamb!  Our experiences are not the focus, nor the reason for our gathering, we are called to join this great wedding, and though delayed that should be our focus and what we are preparing ourselves to experience!

My encouragement this morning is to remind myself of the truth of the second coming of Jesus, the Wedding of the Lamb, and to make sure I am prepared  personally.  I always have said, I don't know when the "End of the World" will come, or if will come in my life time. However,  I do know the "End of my world" will come in my life-time, and that is what I must be prepared for, whether it is today, tonight or 20 years from now. I must not become distracted by the seeming delay, but maintain my vigilance, and be ready.  For me, that means that I have accepted the salvation offered me by Christ Jesus (the wedding garment of His righteousness) and my light burning (continuing in my witness to Him in my life). 

My prayer is that you join me in maintaining our focus on the Lord, and not our own cleverness! 

Amen and Amen!

We Have No Other King!

This morning I am reflecting on some verses from John 19 which we might overlook at times, for they are captured in the greater context of Jesus' passion and death.  However, as I read this chapter this morning, these verses really stood out - John 19:13-15 NIV:

[13] When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). [14] It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 

[15] But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” 

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. 

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered."

The last statement, made by the chief priests, just grabbed my attention this morning and I want to spend some time looking at this radical statement, and their motivation.  

On the surface, we could think that they are just saying the expected answer, which was required under Roman law, but I think there is much more to their claiming no other king but Caesar.  We could say that they are using this approach so that they can have Jesus put to death, as they didn't have the right to do that under Roman law, and yet, I think that is missing some of the real reason.  

The question in my mind this morning, is why did they want to kill Jesus so bad that they would openly embrace the Roman law and their oppressor?  I believe it has to do with the politics of power!  They had some level of power and authority, and they saw that the people were starting to look to Jesus as having a far superior authority and power.  He had raised Lazarus from the dead! He had taught with authority and demonstrated that authority and power multiple times.  He did all things well, and repeatedly proved Himself superior to them.  

I believe that much of their fear was a fear of losing their positions of power, of influence, and political impact.  They were the ones in power, the ones that mattered, the ones the people had looked to previously, and suddenly the people were favoring Jesus over them.

As I was reading this and reflecting on this, it made me realize the depth of depravity people will go to in order to maintain their seat at the table, if you will.  They were willing to fully embrace the very ones they had been resisting in order to maintain what little power they had!  They were rejecting their true Messiah, in order to stay under the thumb of Roman oppression, just so they could go on living their lives of self importance.  Their were rejecting God's promised savior in favor of earthly power.  They were rejecting the first and second commandments so they could enjoy their positions.  

I am reminded of the Jews original rejection of God, found in 1 Samuel 8:6-8 NIV:

[6]  But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. [7] And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. [8] As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you."

My question this morning is are we doing this same thing today?  Are we putting a political ideology before God, because we want to keep our way of life, or position of power, or whatever?  Does fully embracing the things of God challenge us to lay down things we don't want to lay down?  Are we embracing our oppressor, rather than our savior?  Are we willing to embrace the world rather than follow God's plan and purpose for us, because we like what the World offers?  

I think that none of us would willingly shout "Crucify Him!", yet possibly our actual actions might be saying the same thing as the chief priests!   We don't want God to disturb our lives, to interrupt the good thing we have going, and given a choice, which we have daily, we would choose wrongly.

Lord, help us, help me!  Help me to recognize anything that is siding with the oppressor or the world rather than You!

Change and Become Like Little Children

This morning I am reflecting on the sermon from our church yesterday.  The speaker, who is a missionary, said that in His experience, often the newly converted see more effective ministry, with little to no training, than those who are thoroughly trained (my paraphrase of what I heard).  He is a trainer, so he wasn't negating the need for training, but he was speaking about an interesting observation concerning courage.

I was reflecting on that and the image of a little child just learning to walk and climb came to mind.  I am not sure what your experience has been with children, but both of my children were absolutely fearless when they first learned to walk and climb.  My granddaughter who is 2+ is very similar, just no fear, and believing that she can do  just about anything, walk anywhere she wants and climb anything in front of her.  I love her absolute belief in herself!  I love how she is not afraid to conquer a new challenge, to figure out how to climb a new climbing wall, whatever there is in front of her that she wants to do.  As I was thinking about her little dynamic personality, I was reminded of something Jesus said to His disciples concerning becoming like little children.  Here are the verses - Matthew 18:1-5 NIV:

[1] "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 

[2] He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. [3] And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

Now the context of Jesus reply doesn't exactly fit my reflection this morning, but I think there are some parallels that are helpful.  He was talking about the societal position of the child, and in that culture, as in most, the children were dependent on their parents, were not considered a part of society apart from their family.  Their identity was tied to the family lineage, and for the Jews, most of that flowed down from their fathers.  

Looking back at what Jesus said initially, "unless you change and become like little children" He clearly wasn't speaking about becoming physically like little children, nor do I think He was speaking about losing our life experience, so what is Jesus referring to here?  I believe He is addressing our mindset, and our perception of ourselves.  

Jesus goes on says this is a critical requirement to entering the Kingdom.  That is such an interesting statement!  We must become like little children to enter the Kingdom.  Note, He is saying this to people who thought they were already in the Kingdom, so it appears to be a foundational truth, that is important to go back to regularly.  

I contend that what He is saying is that an absolute dependency on the Father is what we need!  Everything we do, everything about how we think about ourselves should be from Him!  This is how children experience the world.  First and foremost, their world-view is formed by and through their relationship with their parents.  The child doesn't really have any other options.  The child is unaware of any other reality, and in this case I believe Jesus is calling the disciples to change and go back to this core relationship, and complete dependency.  Salvation comes through this relationship, and is essentially the re-establishment of that relationship.

It is in this place of complete dependency that humility is embraced.  For the child it is natural, and all they know, for an adult to change and become like a child, it requires a willingness to embrace a different mindset, to think and act differently.  I believe this is fundamentally what Jesus is talking about, our willingness to embrace a complete dependency on Him!  Its not nearly as easy to do as it is to say.

However, in light of my initial reflection this morning, I think there are many benefits to this becoming like a child, that we tend to lose in our 'religiousness' and striving for maturity.  There is an excitement about life, a courage and resiliency, a willingness to believe, and a living of life in constant dependency.  All of these characteristics are beneficial in the life of a believer!  I believe that Jesus was also speaking about these when He said that we need to change and become like little children.  

I think He wants us to embrace the following:

Excitement about life, it is full of possibility

Believe that we can do anything and everything in front of us, for He is good

Complete Dependency on Him for understanding who we are and what we are capable of doing

Courage to try new things, to explore and conquer new trials

Constant connection with Him for encouragement, support and sustenance

Encounter life as His child

This morning I am encouraged to look at my perspective and see where I am restraining these "child-like" mindsets, so that I might change!  I am encouraged to look to all the Lord has done, and celebrate His faithfulness and goodness.  I am encouraged to look at who He says I am, to believe that first and foremost!  I am encouraged to welcome the ew day with the vigor of my grand-daughter, excited about all the possibilities the day will bring!

Amen!

Pour It Out

Yesterday, our pastor was speaking about being offended towards the Lord, when He does things we don't expect, or differently than we want.  It was a very helpful reflection, and got me thinking again about a recent reflection I had concerning Mary and Martha and the death and raising of their brother Lazarus (See  https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2021/09/why-mary-waits.html ).  

I was thinking that the story didn't end with the raising of Lazarus.  I thought I should spend a bit more time looking at the following chapter, for we often just stop with the raising of Lazarus, but there is indeed more to that story found in John 12:1-9,12-13 NASB:

[1] "Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. [3] Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

[4] But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, [5] "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?" [6] Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. 

[7] Therefore Jesus said, "Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. [8] For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me." 

[9] The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 

[12] On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [13] took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, "Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel."

My first thought as I read through these verses was that Mary was able to release her offense (in my opinion something she carried against Jesus, prior to Lazarus' raising) and worship Him.  I think  we would all find that response natural and appropriate considering her brother was sitting there alive and well at the table with Jesus!  However, I think that many of us, when we have been wounded deeply by someone close, regardless of how that hurt is resolved or healed, struggle with trusting them ever again.   One could say the wounding left a permanent scar within the context of that relationship.

If we break it down a bit more, the offense is usually related to a betrayal of trust.  In Mary's case she had trusted Jesus, believing that He was going arrive in time to heal her brother before he died.  She knew Jesus, loved Him and believed in Him.  My conjecture as well is that she was vocal about this trust, telling her friends that Jesus would get there in time to heal Lazarus, even when things were looking dire. I believe that her offense was the result of that trust being broken.  Who knows, she might even had heard Jesus promise to help them if they ever needed Him!  Regardless, I believe she was deeply wounded.

At this point we all know the story of how Jesus then called Lazarus out of the grave, and everything must have been wonderful!  However, lets go back to Mary, for she had suffered very real and very deep pain!  In the midst of the glory of receiving her brother back, there might just have been a question as to why she had been forced to suffer such pain.  It might not have been right away, but I am sure the memory of that pain didn't just disappear.  

In light of this, I believe her next action, that of anointing Jesus' feet, was so significant!  She was blessing Him, and showing Him honor and at the same time, expressing intimate worship, for her hair was her glory (see 1 Cor 11:15) and she was using it to wipe Jesus feet!  She was effectively saying that her best was His!  She was doing this in front of all those that had gathered for the feast, and was effectively proclaiming her worship, her laying down of any injury or hurt, a complete baring of her heart in adoration, and the complete healing of her wounds!  

I find it interesting that Judas had to break into this most intimate worship with concern about the cost.  Isn't that just like the spirit of religion, calling into question the extravagance of worship from a place of deep emotion, love or devotion?  We tend to find people's extravagant worship uncomfortable, or even judge them to be over-doing it just a bit!  We misunderstand that this worship often is the result of chains being broken, captives being set free!  In Mary's case, she had broken free from the fetters of offense!  I am reminded of the man who was healed outside the temple in Acts 3:1-10.  I am sure there were those who wanted to keep him from "walking and leaping and praising God" (Acts 3:8).  

Finally, I want to note that Jesus defended Mary in her worship!  In fact there is another similar story found in Matt 26, a woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive perfume, again pouring forth her worship on Him, and Jesus says the following, "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her." ( Matthew 26:13 NASB).  My point is that the Lord, takes very special notice of those that pour forth intimate worship to Him!  Let us honor those who do, even as the Lord does, and not act like Judas Iscariot.

In summary, I am encouraged to look at my heart and make sure that I have laid down any offenses I have against the Lord!  I am encouraged to worship Him as He is worthy of my adoration, my intimate worship.  I am encouraged to press past the point of any trust issues, or any scarring from past hurts, to just worship at His feet.

Amen!

Suffering According To God's Will?

Last night I had an interesting dream about a family with four kids who felt called to the Mission field in a dangerous country.  They were preparing to go, and to help them get ready for the huge adjustment they were going to experience, they were working at living simply and embracing difficulty. Two things they were doing were interesting, the first was what they called a note-card fast.  They wrote 5 or 6 things on the card, and only did those things for a few days.  It allowed them to focus on what is really important, learning to live without.  On the other side of the card, they listed the difficulties that they were experiencing and celebrated them.  That is where I woke up.  

When I woke up I was immediately reminded of a few different verses, but specifically a verse from 1 Peter 4:19 NIV:  "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

This is such an interesting verse and on its own, out of context, it could raise some serious questions.  However, it is directly related to the verses that precede it, and should be quoted that way or the all important context gets filtered out.   Here is most of the preceding paragraph - 1 Peter 4:14-19 NIV:

[14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [19] So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

In this case, the suffering mentioned previously is essentially a type of persecution, hardship because of the name of Christ, as a follower of His.  The word "according" in verse 19 is related to our obedience and following after Christ, not as one could read, 'because God wants you to suffer'.  Jesus did warn His disciples that they would undergo  trials and persecutions because they were His followers (Matt 5:11), and this is exactly that.  

God doesn't take joy in causing us to suffer! He does not direct suffering to land on our heads, or fill up our lives.  However, He recognizes that the way He has birthed the church and His kingdom, in this present age, will cause conflict, and we, as His followers, will be affected by this conflict.  We will undergo unpleasant experiences, which is what the Greek word pascho, here it is translated suffering, means.  If we follow Christ, we will experience unpleasant things.  We will see relationships affected, we will have the option to  conform our wills to His,  which will require us dying to our own will.  All of this is a form of suffering, a passing through unpleasant experiences in our journey to follow Him. 

In the dream this morning, the family grasped this all and understood that they were going to be walking into unpleasant and difficult circumstances, and their choice to obey that call was clearly leading them down that path.  The Lord wasn't desirous of their suffering, He was calling them into a place of ministry, and suffering was going to be one of their experiences.  At the same time, they would likely experience signs and wonders and glorious miracles in His name, so that their focus would be more on the faithfulness of God, and not so much on their suffering.  

I think that for many of us Christians, we think it is going to be all one or the other, blessing or suffering, and the truth is that there will be both, and we must not be surprised.  We must be willing to grow, to strengthen ourselves, and recognize that the world will not love us because we follow Him, but that in following Him we will see His name glorified!  Jesus Himself said the following, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV)

So, this morning I am encouraged to lean into the Lord, trusting His plan and purposes, and recognizing that life isn't going to always be a bed of roses.  I am encouraged to look at my life and consider those things that are most important, making sure to keep my focus on them, rather than being distracted by everything that is going on all over the world.  I am encouraged that on my path of following Jesus I will endure hardship even suffering, but that I will experience far more glorious things in and through His presence.  I am encouraged, by my love for Him, to embrace all that comes my way, not seeking hardship, but not fearing it.

Lord, help me to follow You!

Amen!

The Kingdom of God Is Like A Fungus!

This morning I am reading in Matthew's Gospel and came across several parables of the Kingdom.  I am always interested in any Kingdom related topics, as the Kingdom was Jesus' primary message.  This morning I am going to reflect on what seems to be a simple parable, but I always find there is a richness that opens up upon meditation.  Here is the parable - Matthew 13:33 NIV:

[33] "He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

At first glance this is pretty basic, as I am familiar with the use of yeast in the bread making, as it causes the bread to rise, and creates both the flavors and textures we enjoy.  Normally the amount of yeast used is very small when compared to  amount of flour.  In my general understanding, I always assumed this parable was directed to the Apostles and represented the small beginnings of the church (120 or so) that then spread to cover the world.   I don't think that is wrong, but I also think there is applicability to our life today, hidden here in plain sight.

As I was thinking more about this parable, my first thought was "what exactly is yeast?"  I must have forgotten my early biology lessons, so I looked it up.  Turns out yeast is a microscopic fungus.  Wouldn't be an interesting title, "The Kingdom of God is like a Fungus!"  Yeast is an incredibly small, egg-shaped single cell fungus.  According to the Red-Star Yeast Company,  "It takes 20,000,000,000 (twenty billion) yeast cells to weigh one gram, or 1/28 of an ounce, of cake yeast."  That really is an incredible number, compared to sixty pounds of flour in the parable.  

Yeast apparently buds, and then separates (See the Photo attached).  It is able to rapidly expand until its food source (sugar in its various forms) is depleted. This rapid expansion actually produces carbon dioxide and alcohol.  When mixed with flour and water it transforms the mixture, and expands the mixture and flavors the mixture.

So what does this have to do with our life today, as Christians?  I can think of a couple of things.  First, we are supposed to be basically yeast, or fungus if you want to get specific.  We do not become part of the flour, but we act upon the flour mixture.  The phrase "in the world but not of the world" comes to mind (see John 17:14-16). We are in the world, but we are not part of the world anymore, for we are Kingdom citizens.  

Secondly, our lives are meant to impact those around us, and we are meant to multiply, and in this case multiplication is done through budding, which to me sounds much like discipleship, or mentoring (see Matthew 28: 18-20).  

Thirdly, our presence is supposed to lend an aroma to those we encounter.  We are supposed to act upon that which is in the world, transforming it and releasing fragrance (yeast flavoroids in the alcohol) and gas (breath if you will), which sounds to me a bit like praise and worship!  Our lives, our perspective and our ministry are meant to release the potential that is in all of us, giving release to the increase and goodness.

Fourthly, as just mentioned we are meant to cause increase.  God desires to bless, and we are the vehicle through which blessing is meant to come.  Our ministry is the continuation of the ministry of Jesus, and we should see the same things as He demonstrated, for it all comes from God!  Jesus said we would do the same, and even greater works (See John14:12)!

This morning I am encouraged that I am part of the Kingdom, and responsible for budding (discipleship). My presence should change the environment around me, and the flavor that comes out should be consistent with the ministry of the Lord!   I am encouraged that though small, in my part, I am part of a much larger picture, and my job is relatively simple, multiplication through the Good News and discipleship.   

Oh Lord, help me and help us to flavor the whole world, that worship and praise my erupt all around me!

Amen!

Why Mary Waits?

Yesterday, I started a reflection on Mary, the sister of Lazarus, around the death of her brother, and how she responded and how Jesus interaction with her.  It was quite helpful.

I felt led to go back to the Gospel of John, chapter eleven, which is the story of Lazarus.  However, today the focus is on the sisters, specifically Mary, and how she dealt with their brother's death.  They had sent a message to Jesus, telling Him that their brother was sick, and he had arrived too late.  I can only imagine the frustration and pain they experienced, the hopes dashed, the anxious waiting in hope, followed by crushing grief when Lazarus died.  

Lately the Lord has been dealing with me, and helping me to see an offense I have had in my heart related to things that `didn't turn out the way I thought they would, especially since I followed what I felt was His direction.  About 5 years ago He spoke to me during a difficult time that there was going to be a Lazarus-like restoration to a difficult job situation.  I had my hope on His word, and while I was going through a tough time, I figured if it was going to be like Lazarus, I could hold out.  Now 5 years later, I find myself still basically in that same situation, still working to overcome my frustration, my offense, my anger at my situation.  I can't imagine how the sisters felt, but I am sure they had similar, but deeper issues.  Believe me, I am not trying to say what I have gone through was as anywhere near as tough as what the sisters experienced, but maybe its just a small taste of what they experienced.

Anyway, here is John's remembrance of the events - John 11:17-35 NIV:

[17] "On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. [18] Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, [19] and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. [20] When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 

[21] “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 

[23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 

[24] Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 

[25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

[27] “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 

[28] After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 

[32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

[33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. [34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked. 

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 

[35] Jesus wept."

So the first thing that comes to mind, is why did Mary stay home when she heard that Jesus was on the way?  I have no reason scripturally to support this, but I think she was too wounded.  She was clearly all about relationship with Jesus (Luke 10:38), and had experienced the Lord taking her side, concerning her desire to be with Him, so I am thinking that she might have felt the disappointment more fully, having the possibly deeper relationship.  

I believe she loved deeply and thus felt the wounding deeply, when Lazarus died. I am sure they had heard, and even possibly seen the miracles and healings Jesus had worked.  We know from Luke, that they had experienced His amazing love for them.  I am thinking  they were bold in their faith initially, believing that surely Jesus would come, but that she must have been crushed when Lazarus died. I know I would be so tempted to blame Him, but in this case they probably didn't know what had delayed him, so maybe not as much as we would think, as our perspective is clearly in retrospect.

Anyway, she hears Jesus is finally coming and she stays where she is, in mourning. It isn't until Martha returns and tells her that Jesus was asking for her, that she actually went to Him.  Again, this to me points to her woundedness and disappointed heart.  Even though Martha had come first and was clearly mourning her brother, it was the sight and experience of Mary's grief that moved Jesus' heart.  

I am so grateful that John included this whole story, even these intimate details, because in the place of my own frustration and disappointment, I felt like the Lord didn't care, and I am sure there was some doubt in Mary's mind as well.  Clearly Jesus DID care, and fully comprehended the depth of her grief, and probably even the depth of her offense.  He had seen similar offense when He visited his home town of Nazareth (Matt 13:57), after beginning His ministry, and I am sure He was aware of that now, in Mary.  

He understood the pain His delay caused her.  

He understood the depth of her grief, for he had lost His own father Joseph, and had not been released to intervene by His Father in Heaven.  

He understood how she could be angry, even unbelieving.

He understood that she had placed all her hope in Him.

He understood that in her eyes, it was too late.

He also understood what the Father had planned, and though His heart was stirred by the Glory that was about to be released (see verses 23-27 above) He met her in her grief, pain, frustration and had compassion, to the point that He wept!

The Lord understands and IS impacted by our pain, by our confusion, by our dashed hopes, by our misunderstanding, by our anger, frustration and even unbelief!  He gets it, and He meets us there!  He doesn't reject us for our unbelief!  He doesn't remain aloof and rebuke us for our fear, uncertainty, doubt or anger.  He meets us there and is moved by the pain our hearts are in!  

We must not miss this most important point!  The Lord knows exactly what we are feeling, for He became human himself and experienced the same emotions in His life here!  He knows what we are going through, and He is with us in that pain!

I was also thinking about all the people that were with Mary.  It is interesting that John includes that detail in verse 33.  I believe that these could be people that were the ones Mary had been telling about how Jesus was going to heal Lazarus.  These represent for all of us those that are aware of our situation, those that have walked with us through our hopes and our disappointments, those who might share our pain, even share our offenses.  You see the Lord doesn't just want to touch us, He wants to touch all those around us!  It is so interesting that they were all there to bear witness to Mary's pain, and to what came next.

Now, lets go back to Jesus.  This is where the story gets good, though, for Jesus also knows what is going to happen that will bring the Father Glory!  He told the disciples before they ever even left to go to Lazarus, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4 NIV)  God has a plan, and believe it or not, it is GOOD!  It will bring Him Glory, and if we allow ourselves to see, it will heal our hearts!  We will come to understand who He really IS, and we will understand how much He cares for us!

Now, I don't know how my situation will end, but I do know He gets my pain, my frustration and even my unbelief and in spite of those He loves me in that place!  HE doesn't reject me!  He isn't waiting for me to get my heart and mind right, or for me to work myself up in faith!  He is moved by my coming to Him and falling at His feet, and expressing my emotion, my frustration and my disappointment.  

He does have a great plan for me, and for all of us, and it will result in His Glory!

His plan is better than what I think it should have been.

His plan is bigger than I can imagine.

His Love for me, moves His heart.

He will, in the perfect time, roll back the stone and speak into the situation with the authority and power that only He has!

Amen and Amen!  Come Quickly Lord Jesus!

Encouragement For First Things

This past Sunday, one of our pastors spoke on the importance of encouragement in the Body of Christ, and he used two verses from Hebrews 3:12-13 NASB:

[12] "Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. [13] But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

It was an excellent teaching and encouragement.  This morning I opened up my Bible to 2 John, and basically saw John doing the very same thing that our pastor spoke on this past Sunday, encouraging the Body of Christ.  In this case John is writing to a lady, with whom he is familiar, maybe even a family friend and encourages and reminds her of the key of our faith, loving one another - 2 John 1:5-6 NASB:

[5] "Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. [6] And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it."

I like how John is very specific, what he writes is this is not a new commandment, but rather the original commandment, to love one another.  I saw a note recently from a well know Christian teacher, saying that essentially most good preaching is just reminding us of the truth, not teaching something new.  As Christian's we do need to be reminded of the truth, of the basics of our faith from time to time.  I know for me, this is what I spend plenty of time doing, being reminded of the basics of my truth, and then taking those basics and applying them to my life, making sure first things are actually first.

Primarily, we do need to be reminded to love one another, as Christ loved us.  We are commanded to do so, by Jesus.  Somewhere along the way we have missed the importance of this and even have lost some of our understanding of the word love.  Now days we associate love with good feelings towards one another that go deeper than just friendship.  

While feelings are a part of love, Jesus said we must love as He loved, and that is so much more than just feelings.  It was for love that Jesus came and sacrificed Himself, embracing the cross and death (John 3:16-17) for that is how He saved us.  Jesus loved by calling people into their true identity (See Luke 19:1-10).  Jesus loved by healing (Mark 1:41).  Jesus loved us by speaking the truth about the Father (Luke 10:22), and setting us free from religion and the Law (Gal 5:1).  Jesus loved the sinners and the poor, the people that others looked down on (Matt 9:10-11)!  Jesus loved, by word, by deed, by action!  

This was John's message and he said it well in his first letter - 1 John 3:16-18 NIV:

[16] "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."

- and again- 

1 John 3:23-24 NIV:

[23] "And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. [24] The one who keeps God's commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."

This morning I am encouraged to look at my life, to see how I am loving.  I am encouraged to love with deeds and actions, with my life, and with my words.  I am encouraged to love as Jesus loves me.  I am encouraged to embrace this command, knowing that in doing so, I am willing to lay down my life for others.  I am reminded of Paul's great encouragement in his letter to the 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:"

Yes Lord, help me to take on Your mindset!  Help me to love as You loved!  Help me to lay down my own selfish ambition, and turn my eyes towards You and others in need!  Help me to make You and Your command first!  

Amen!