Matthew 8:14-17 NIV
"When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Healing with a touch of the hand, exorcism with a single word; these are subtle but amazing details continuing the witness to the authority of Jesus. The conclusion of these brief healing and liberation stories is that Jesus is fulfilling prophesy.
Matthew quotes Isaiah 53:4. It's part of the Suffering Servant portion of His writings. The servant is likely a poetic representation of the nation of Israel, having suffered exile among the Babylonians, but now being consoled by Isaiah with hope of their restoration. Another interpretation is that Isaiah is speaking of his own ministry, suffering to speak the truth to Israel's wayward leadership. His ministry is redemptive in nature. He suffers, so that Israel might be saved from her sins. Regardless of the original meaning, the early church saw parallels to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. Matthew pointing to the passage sets up the reader for more than simply a healing story. Jesus is the Redeemer sent to save Israel from their sins by giving Himself as a sin offering.
I've always found the detail of the healing of Peter's mother in-law interesting. At first glance one might think Jesus healed her from her fever so that she'd get up and make supper for Him and His disciples. Immediately after she was healed she got up and waited on Him. Of course, that cannot be the correct interpretation. That's my modern mind imposing my cultural norms upon the text. Today, suggesting that a woman wait upon a man, is considered chauvinistic. But in Jesus' time it was a completely natural response to company in the home.
The more likely interpretation is that healing led to gratitude, which was expressed in serving the Lord. I think that is perhaps the reason Matthew includes this detail. When Christ, the Redeemer, heals us of our iniquities and sin, we will be free. What do we do with this freedom? Do we run back into a sinful life? No! We serve the Lord in gratitude.
The story of Jesus suffering and dying for our sins is a powerful and compelling message. The gospel has been freeing hearts for millennia. The church is filled with freed sinners happy to serve the Lord they love, who first loved them and gave Himself up for them. Everyday they join in Jesus' healing ministry, bringing good news to the hopeless, health to the sick, and holiness to Sin's captives. We teach. We heal. We liberate. We do this gratefully because Christ has set us free and we gladly serve Him and His mission to redeem this earth.
How about you? Have you experienced the healing of the cross of Christ. When He looked upon His tormentors and said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing", do you know He was thinking about you and your sin bondage? He died to free you. He took upon Himself your sins by giving His life as an atoning sacrifice, so that you might be healed and whole. What will your response be?
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Matthew 8:5-13
Matthew 8:5-13 NIV
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The main point of this episode with the Roman Centurian is the lack of faith, among Jews, in Jesus as the Son of God, and the complete authority given Him. The Centurian exemplifies faith as a way of shaming the Jewish listener to this story.
A popular theory is that the gospel of Matthew was written for a Jewish Christian community that was experiencing persecution at the hands of their neighbors, other Jews who felt Christianity was a heresy. While Jesus ministered among the Jews in Galilee, He encountered people who refused to believe He had the authority to teach or heal.
The Centurian stood apart. He was a gentile, not a Jew. He believed Jesus could heal his paralysed servant without touching him or seeing him. He believed Jesus had the authority to heal injury and drive out disease. Jesus could command tissue to restore itself to health. He could command germs to surrender to a divinely supported immune system. Jesus can heal remotely from anywhere.
How about your faith? Do you believe Jesus can heal remotely from anywhere? Do you believe in the power of God given to The Son? Do you believe Jesus is God who walked among us? When was the last time you asked the Lord of heaven and earth for help? Did you doubt or were you convinced of His power and authority? Were you willing to accept His response, whether it was what you wanted or not?
Jesus concludes that many gentiles, non-Jews, will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven, but the chosen people of God, who kill His prophets and spurn The Son, will find themselves ousted. They presume they are in good standing with God because they were born Jews into the covenant through Moses. But remember what John the Baptist said.
Matthew 3:9-10 NIV
"And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
We belong to a new covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ and in the authority given Him from above. Yet Christians too can presume they are in good standing with God simply because they bear the name Christian. They say they believe, but their lives tell another story. What do you really believe about Jesus and how does that affect the way you live each day?
If I truly believed Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth with full authority to rule, then why do I have frustrations and fears? Like the old hymn says,
"Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is he
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me"
Where then is that happiness and freedom that comes from faith that God is in control?
I think of the disciples in the boat struggling against a sudden storm on the Sea of Galilee. They cried out in fear for their lives, but Jesus was asleep. They roused Him and said, "Don't you care if we die?!" Jesus commanded the wind and waves to be silent and they obeyed. Then Jesus asked them, men He trusted to lead His church, "Where is your faith?"
That's the funny thing about faith. We can say we believe, but when life's challenges confront us, suddenly the sky is falling! I know I freak out first before I calm down enough to pray. Even when I pray I want my will to be done, which is to not have to face the challenge, to avoid suffering. Jesus didn't want to suffer upon the cross. He'd rather the people of Jerusalem and the leaders of Israel embrace Him as the Son of David and the Son of God. But they did not. Instead they crucified Him. In the Garden of Gethsemane He prayed, "Not my will, but Thy will be done."
What freedom could we enjoy if we let go and let God be in control of everything. I'm mean everything. I haven't learned how to do that just yet. I pray for more faith, a tested, tried and true faith that fully trusts in the authority of Jesus.
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The main point of this episode with the Roman Centurian is the lack of faith, among Jews, in Jesus as the Son of God, and the complete authority given Him. The Centurian exemplifies faith as a way of shaming the Jewish listener to this story.
A popular theory is that the gospel of Matthew was written for a Jewish Christian community that was experiencing persecution at the hands of their neighbors, other Jews who felt Christianity was a heresy. While Jesus ministered among the Jews in Galilee, He encountered people who refused to believe He had the authority to teach or heal.
The Centurian stood apart. He was a gentile, not a Jew. He believed Jesus could heal his paralysed servant without touching him or seeing him. He believed Jesus had the authority to heal injury and drive out disease. Jesus could command tissue to restore itself to health. He could command germs to surrender to a divinely supported immune system. Jesus can heal remotely from anywhere.
How about your faith? Do you believe Jesus can heal remotely from anywhere? Do you believe in the power of God given to The Son? Do you believe Jesus is God who walked among us? When was the last time you asked the Lord of heaven and earth for help? Did you doubt or were you convinced of His power and authority? Were you willing to accept His response, whether it was what you wanted or not?
Jesus concludes that many gentiles, non-Jews, will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven, but the chosen people of God, who kill His prophets and spurn The Son, will find themselves ousted. They presume they are in good standing with God because they were born Jews into the covenant through Moses. But remember what John the Baptist said.
Matthew 3:9-10 NIV
"And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
We belong to a new covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ and in the authority given Him from above. Yet Christians too can presume they are in good standing with God simply because they bear the name Christian. They say they believe, but their lives tell another story. What do you really believe about Jesus and how does that affect the way you live each day?
If I truly believed Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth with full authority to rule, then why do I have frustrations and fears? Like the old hymn says,
"Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is he
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me"
Where then is that happiness and freedom that comes from faith that God is in control?
I think of the disciples in the boat struggling against a sudden storm on the Sea of Galilee. They cried out in fear for their lives, but Jesus was asleep. They roused Him and said, "Don't you care if we die?!" Jesus commanded the wind and waves to be silent and they obeyed. Then Jesus asked them, men He trusted to lead His church, "Where is your faith?"
That's the funny thing about faith. We can say we believe, but when life's challenges confront us, suddenly the sky is falling! I know I freak out first before I calm down enough to pray. Even when I pray I want my will to be done, which is to not have to face the challenge, to avoid suffering. Jesus didn't want to suffer upon the cross. He'd rather the people of Jerusalem and the leaders of Israel embrace Him as the Son of David and the Son of God. But they did not. Instead they crucified Him. In the Garden of Gethsemane He prayed, "Not my will, but Thy will be done."
What freedom could we enjoy if we let go and let God be in control of everything. I'm mean everything. I haven't learned how to do that just yet. I pray for more faith, a tested, tried and true faith that fully trusts in the authority of Jesus.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Matthew 7:28-29; 8:1-4
Matthew 7:28-29; 8:1-4 NIV
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount, crowds followed Him, amazed at His teaching with an authority they'd not seen before. As a reader, I know what is the source of His authority. It is God in the form of the Holy Spirit empowering Jesus and speaking through Him. When God speaks, hearts are moved.
One man with leprosy must have believed Jesus had the authority to heal with divine power. Likely he'd heard of Jesus healing in Capernaum. He'd come for healing and to hear Jesus teach about the kingdom of heaven. He approached Jesus, which had to be difficult. As a leper, he was bound by law to cry out, "Unclean! Unclean!" as he made his way in public.
Jesus took compassion on the man and healed him. I love Mark's telling of this story because traditionally English translations have used the word compassion to describe Jesus' response to the man. However more recent translations have a very different reaction.
Mark 1:40-42 NIV
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
The 1984 version of the NIV said Jesus was filled with compassion, but the 2011 version says Jesus was indignant. Why the big difference?
My own thinking is to sell more bibles by providing a so called fresh translation. Book makers know bibles mean a steady cash flow because the bible is their number one seller by far year after year. When a particular translation's sales begin to slump, book sellers provide a new and improved translation or a new packaging of the same translation in a devotional bible, study bible, or other special kind of edition. I'm not alone in this opinion. (http://www.bible-researcher.com/
The Greek word in question in Mark 1:41 is splagchnizomai, which according to Strong's means:
"to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)."
The footnote in the 2011 NIV says many other translations use compassion. There is no other explanation. Newer translations share this trend. A quick search of the translators notes also reveals nothing to warrant the change. I think controversy gets the market talking which means selling more books.
A possible interpretation of why Jesus felt indignant was that He was appalled at the disease, not the leper. Jesus came to call sinners back to God. Jews believed that those with disease were stricken by God because of their sins. Was Jesus indignant over the leper's sin? Or was He put out to be bothered by this man? The fact that Jesus was willing to touch an untouchable man shows that He wasn't put out or upset. He was compassionate. Any indignation was likely His disappointment that God's people lived with such brokenness, a brokenness He came to heal by ushering in the new creation.
For myself, the traditional reading is best. Jesus was filled with compassion. Matthew doesn't reveal this detail at all, so my going on about this word is my own curiosity and my own preference. In other words I'm as guilty as the NIV publishers for trying to make the bible say what I want it to say. Lol! (For more on this subject read: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/
Jesus told the leper to not say anything and go to the priests for proof of healing. The Law of Moses provides a means of being released from a leprosy stigma. Jesus wants the man to be faithful to the covenant, as all Jews were bound to it. He also wants the man to be free of his marginalized role in society. He may now reenter society with full rights and privileges.
Jesus commanded the former leper to remain silent about his healing. It may be that He wanted him to be quick in His obedience to the law, not talking to others until he'd been officially cleared of leprosy. But it could also be that Jesus did not want to draw more attention to Himself unnecessarily. Large crowds were following Him. Even sending Him to the priests may have sent a message about Jesus' power to heal. Jesus, perhaps, needed to manage His time before His destiny with the cross. An undue amount of attention from Jerusalem might shorten His time on earth.
That's a popular interpretation and one I've usually adopted, but today I think it is merely that He wants the man to be quick in obedience to Moses and the covenant. He wants the man to have official clearance as soon as possible.
What is it that causes you to feel outside of society, marginalized like the leper? Sometimes I struggle with low self esteem. How might Jesus heal me and give me freedom from my self imposed stigma? The Law of Moses, or the New Testament does not teach me to see myself in low esteem. Of course before God humility is appropriate, but unhealthy shame is poison and not God's will.
Jesus would free us of all bondage, if we come seeking His divine authority to heal. He would free us because He loves us. He feels deeply in His bowls a compassion for His children. So come seeking the Lord's healing. If you are willing, so is He.
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount, crowds followed Him, amazed at His teaching with an authority they'd not seen before. As a reader, I know what is the source of His authority. It is God in the form of the Holy Spirit empowering Jesus and speaking through Him. When God speaks, hearts are moved.
One man with leprosy must have believed Jesus had the authority to heal with divine power. Likely he'd heard of Jesus healing in Capernaum. He'd come for healing and to hear Jesus teach about the kingdom of heaven. He approached Jesus, which had to be difficult. As a leper, he was bound by law to cry out, "Unclean! Unclean!" as he made his way in public.
Jesus took compassion on the man and healed him. I love Mark's telling of this story because traditionally English translations have used the word compassion to describe Jesus' response to the man. However more recent translations have a very different reaction.
Mark 1:40-42 NIV
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
The 1984 version of the NIV said Jesus was filled with compassion, but the 2011 version says Jesus was indignant. Why the big difference?
My own thinking is to sell more bibles by providing a so called fresh translation. Book makers know bibles mean a steady cash flow because the bible is their number one seller by far year after year. When a particular translation's sales begin to slump, book sellers provide a new and improved translation or a new packaging of the same translation in a devotional bible, study bible, or other special kind of edition. I'm not alone in this opinion. (http://www.bible-researcher.com/
The Greek word in question in Mark 1:41 is splagchnizomai, which according to Strong's means:
"to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)."
The footnote in the 2011 NIV says many other translations use compassion. There is no other explanation. Newer translations share this trend. A quick search of the translators notes also reveals nothing to warrant the change. I think controversy gets the market talking which means selling more books.
A possible interpretation of why Jesus felt indignant was that He was appalled at the disease, not the leper. Jesus came to call sinners back to God. Jews believed that those with disease were stricken by God because of their sins. Was Jesus indignant over the leper's sin? Or was He put out to be bothered by this man? The fact that Jesus was willing to touch an untouchable man shows that He wasn't put out or upset. He was compassionate. Any indignation was likely His disappointment that God's people lived with such brokenness, a brokenness He came to heal by ushering in the new creation.
For myself, the traditional reading is best. Jesus was filled with compassion. Matthew doesn't reveal this detail at all, so my going on about this word is my own curiosity and my own preference. In other words I'm as guilty as the NIV publishers for trying to make the bible say what I want it to say. Lol! (For more on this subject read: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/
Jesus told the leper to not say anything and go to the priests for proof of healing. The Law of Moses provides a means of being released from a leprosy stigma. Jesus wants the man to be faithful to the covenant, as all Jews were bound to it. He also wants the man to be free of his marginalized role in society. He may now reenter society with full rights and privileges.
Jesus commanded the former leper to remain silent about his healing. It may be that He wanted him to be quick in His obedience to the law, not talking to others until he'd been officially cleared of leprosy. But it could also be that Jesus did not want to draw more attention to Himself unnecessarily. Large crowds were following Him. Even sending Him to the priests may have sent a message about Jesus' power to heal. Jesus, perhaps, needed to manage His time before His destiny with the cross. An undue amount of attention from Jerusalem might shorten His time on earth.
That's a popular interpretation and one I've usually adopted, but today I think it is merely that He wants the man to be quick in obedience to Moses and the covenant. He wants the man to have official clearance as soon as possible.
What is it that causes you to feel outside of society, marginalized like the leper? Sometimes I struggle with low self esteem. How might Jesus heal me and give me freedom from my self imposed stigma? The Law of Moses, or the New Testament does not teach me to see myself in low esteem. Of course before God humility is appropriate, but unhealthy shame is poison and not God's will.
Jesus would free us of all bondage, if we come seeking His divine authority to heal. He would free us because He loves us. He feels deeply in His bowls a compassion for His children. So come seeking the Lord's healing. If you are willing, so is He.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Matthew 7:21-27
Matthew 7:21-27 NIV
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He ends it beckoning His followers to be wise and put His teachings into practice. For there will be those who assume that, because they have done good deeds, they will be welcomed by Jesus on the day of judgment. But Jesus warns us that doing good in His name isn't a ticket to paradise. Yes, His disciples do good deeds, but much of the Sermon on the Mount has to do with our relationship with God and people. At the root of it all is love. Do you love others as Christ loved you and gave Himself up for you?
Jesus' rhetoric here is frightening, at least it is to me. The implications of what He is saying causes me to question my own salvation! Am I following His teachings? I certainly fail to keep His counsel with perfection. I have not always loved my enemies. I have not always given to those who beg on the street corners. I sometimes curse anonymous drivers under my breath who annoy me. I fail. I don't always love, nor do I always treat others the way I want to be treated. And so I have to ask myself, "Will I be turned away at the gates of Heaven? Will Jesus call me an imposter, one who only pretends to be His disciple?" It's a very tough question and it causes me to tremble within.
Perhaps that's the point. Perhaps a healthy, reverent fear of God is what Jesus is wanting to generate in the hearts of His listeners. Jesus is playing the prophet here after all. Like Moses He is giving a new law to the new covenant community is His name. Prophetic speech is often jarring in its rhetoric.
Why am I surprised? I suppose it is because how Jesus is always depicted as gentle and compassionate. The imagery of Jesus I grew up with as a child was of Him holding lambs, blessing children, and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. In every instance He looked gentle and loving, even when He prepared to die for me. How could He ever turn me away? He's too kind!
My assurance that I belong to Him is not in my performance of His teachings, but in God's mercy. I fear God and Jesus' teaching here touched that fear. I have not yet been perfected in love, because a complete love drives out the fear of judgment. (1Jn 4:18) A complete love does as Jesus teaches. I do as He commands, but I also fail sometimes. I am both the wise builder, with my life standing upon the solid foundation of Christ, and I am the foolish builder, who's life is sinking in sand because I haven't put Jesus' teachings into practice. I am among the blessed children of the kingdom of heaven, and I am damned for my sins. I live within the tension between the two aspects of my being. What can I do? I know I'm not likely ever to reach perfection in my earthly journey.
If my salvation were based upon following Jesus' teaching here alone, then I would be hopelessly lost. Heaven would be beyond my grasp. Few of us are Olympic athletes. I have plenty of things I want to accomplish that I am failing to achieve. But our salvation is not based upon perfect obedience to Christ, but upon God's mercy. It's not what I do, but what He did for me that ultimately matters. He paid the price for my sins. His blood shed for us cleans the slate with God every time we fail. Does that give us license to go and do as we please? No it does not. God will judge us according to what we have done or neglected in this life. Ultimately Christ will decide if He knows you as His disciple.
The various traditions within Christianity react to the question of salvation differently. Some say that as long as you've accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and been immersed in the waters of baptism, then you are saved. And once saved always saved. Your salvation is secure. I, however, belong to a tradition that sees the dark side of such a position. John Wesley called it antinomianism, the belief that following the law of God was not necessary for salvation. Wesley saw that some of his contemporaries ignored the teachings of Christ. They were Christians by name only. Perhaps they attended worship and participated in the sacraments, but Wesley claimed some were "almost Christian." Their lives broadcast a different name than Jesus, one of hypocrisy. So Wesley's understanding of salvation was a both-and kind. We are saved by grace alone AND we are saved by our faith working through love. For faith without works is dead. (Jms 2:14-26)
James 2:24 NIV
You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
My belief is God's saving work does not stop at the cross. It continues beyond the empty tomb of Jesus. He rose from the dead triumphing over sin and death. He shares that victory with me, a sin conquering and death defeating power we call grace. My belief is in Christ's ability to transform my heart and empower me to love as He loves, to do as He would do. I am His follower and He is my Master and teacher, my Saviour and friend. I may die today imperfect and still stumbling along, but He will not abandon me. His hand holds on to me and saves me from falling.
Matthew 7:21 NIV
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
If Jesus' words in Matthew 7:21 were the only message I heard in scripture, then I would surely be lost. But they are not. There are other passages that inform.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
And the same man, Paul of Tarsus, wrote,
2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
So we live in this tension between faith in the ultimate mercy of God and works, my record of good and bad deeds. Judgment does not necessarily mean admittance or non-admittance to heaven. Judgment can mean the level of reward your life in Christ will yield. Remember Jesus said to lay up treasures in heaven. And those who are first in this world will be last in the kingdom, but those who are lay in this world will be first. Let your light shine before others so they may see your good deeds and praise God. Judgment may mean a greater or lesser room in our heavenly Father's house.
Jesus tells a story of a man who hired workers throughout the day to work his fields. Some he hired at the beginning of the day. Others he hired in the late afternoon, but He paid them all the same wage. Those who worked all day complained. It was unfair to pay the same amount, to those who only worked a few hours, as those who worked all day. But the man replied that they were paid what they agreed to work for. Are they jealous because he is generous?
That's our God, generous and calling to us to come and work His vineyard. Therefore heed His call and enjoy heavenly treasures that will outweigh anything else you are working for. But do so out of your love and gratitude for God and His mercy. If you don't know His love, seek Him first and let His love change you and grow you, then you will have grace to do as Christ teaches. With His love empowering you, your life with stand upon a solid foundation and you will be surrounded by love as you serve in His love.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He ends it beckoning His followers to be wise and put His teachings into practice. For there will be those who assume that, because they have done good deeds, they will be welcomed by Jesus on the day of judgment. But Jesus warns us that doing good in His name isn't a ticket to paradise. Yes, His disciples do good deeds, but much of the Sermon on the Mount has to do with our relationship with God and people. At the root of it all is love. Do you love others as Christ loved you and gave Himself up for you?
Jesus' rhetoric here is frightening, at least it is to me. The implications of what He is saying causes me to question my own salvation! Am I following His teachings? I certainly fail to keep His counsel with perfection. I have not always loved my enemies. I have not always given to those who beg on the street corners. I sometimes curse anonymous drivers under my breath who annoy me. I fail. I don't always love, nor do I always treat others the way I want to be treated. And so I have to ask myself, "Will I be turned away at the gates of Heaven? Will Jesus call me an imposter, one who only pretends to be His disciple?" It's a very tough question and it causes me to tremble within.
Perhaps that's the point. Perhaps a healthy, reverent fear of God is what Jesus is wanting to generate in the hearts of His listeners. Jesus is playing the prophet here after all. Like Moses He is giving a new law to the new covenant community is His name. Prophetic speech is often jarring in its rhetoric.
Why am I surprised? I suppose it is because how Jesus is always depicted as gentle and compassionate. The imagery of Jesus I grew up with as a child was of Him holding lambs, blessing children, and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. In every instance He looked gentle and loving, even when He prepared to die for me. How could He ever turn me away? He's too kind!
My assurance that I belong to Him is not in my performance of His teachings, but in God's mercy. I fear God and Jesus' teaching here touched that fear. I have not yet been perfected in love, because a complete love drives out the fear of judgment. (1Jn 4:18) A complete love does as Jesus teaches. I do as He commands, but I also fail sometimes. I am both the wise builder, with my life standing upon the solid foundation of Christ, and I am the foolish builder, who's life is sinking in sand because I haven't put Jesus' teachings into practice. I am among the blessed children of the kingdom of heaven, and I am damned for my sins. I live within the tension between the two aspects of my being. What can I do? I know I'm not likely ever to reach perfection in my earthly journey.
If my salvation were based upon following Jesus' teaching here alone, then I would be hopelessly lost. Heaven would be beyond my grasp. Few of us are Olympic athletes. I have plenty of things I want to accomplish that I am failing to achieve. But our salvation is not based upon perfect obedience to Christ, but upon God's mercy. It's not what I do, but what He did for me that ultimately matters. He paid the price for my sins. His blood shed for us cleans the slate with God every time we fail. Does that give us license to go and do as we please? No it does not. God will judge us according to what we have done or neglected in this life. Ultimately Christ will decide if He knows you as His disciple.
The various traditions within Christianity react to the question of salvation differently. Some say that as long as you've accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and been immersed in the waters of baptism, then you are saved. And once saved always saved. Your salvation is secure. I, however, belong to a tradition that sees the dark side of such a position. John Wesley called it antinomianism, the belief that following the law of God was not necessary for salvation. Wesley saw that some of his contemporaries ignored the teachings of Christ. They were Christians by name only. Perhaps they attended worship and participated in the sacraments, but Wesley claimed some were "almost Christian." Their lives broadcast a different name than Jesus, one of hypocrisy. So Wesley's understanding of salvation was a both-and kind. We are saved by grace alone AND we are saved by our faith working through love. For faith without works is dead. (Jms 2:14-26)
James 2:24 NIV
You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
My belief is God's saving work does not stop at the cross. It continues beyond the empty tomb of Jesus. He rose from the dead triumphing over sin and death. He shares that victory with me, a sin conquering and death defeating power we call grace. My belief is in Christ's ability to transform my heart and empower me to love as He loves, to do as He would do. I am His follower and He is my Master and teacher, my Saviour and friend. I may die today imperfect and still stumbling along, but He will not abandon me. His hand holds on to me and saves me from falling.
Matthew 7:21 NIV
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
If Jesus' words in Matthew 7:21 were the only message I heard in scripture, then I would surely be lost. But they are not. There are other passages that inform.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
And the same man, Paul of Tarsus, wrote,
2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
So we live in this tension between faith in the ultimate mercy of God and works, my record of good and bad deeds. Judgment does not necessarily mean admittance or non-admittance to heaven. Judgment can mean the level of reward your life in Christ will yield. Remember Jesus said to lay up treasures in heaven. And those who are first in this world will be last in the kingdom, but those who are lay in this world will be first. Let your light shine before others so they may see your good deeds and praise God. Judgment may mean a greater or lesser room in our heavenly Father's house.
Jesus tells a story of a man who hired workers throughout the day to work his fields. Some he hired at the beginning of the day. Others he hired in the late afternoon, but He paid them all the same wage. Those who worked all day complained. It was unfair to pay the same amount, to those who only worked a few hours, as those who worked all day. But the man replied that they were paid what they agreed to work for. Are they jealous because he is generous?
That's our God, generous and calling to us to come and work His vineyard. Therefore heed His call and enjoy heavenly treasures that will outweigh anything else you are working for. But do so out of your love and gratitude for God and His mercy. If you don't know His love, seek Him first and let His love change you and grow you, then you will have grace to do as Christ teaches. With His love empowering you, your life with stand upon a solid foundation and you will be surrounded by love as you serve in His love.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Matthew 7:15-20
Matthew 7:15-20 NIV
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"By their fruit you will recognize them." Jesus warns His disciples to watch out for false teachers. What exactly is a false teacher? In the New Testament there are several instances of speaking against false teachers. The most prevalent is against the so called, "circumcision group." This group taught Gentile men that they must be circumcised and follow the laws of the Jews given through Moses if they were to be members of the church of Jesus Christ. Other passages depict false teachers as greedy for personal gain, not caring for the souls of those among whom they serve. So it would seem that a false teacher not only teaches perverse doctrine contrary to what Jesus and His chosen apostles have passed down, but that they also carry impure motives pointed toward selfish ends. You can spot a false teacher by the results of their ministry.
I personally have not encountered false teachers per say. I have encountered good intentioned souls who made mistakes and whose beliefs ran contrary to my own. I wouldn't say they were in professional ministry for personal glory. We just didn't read the bible the same way, nor did we experience God the same way. That could have put us at odds, but I respected them for their many good qualities and good fruit in their ministry. They also respected me, though we disagreed. So I have to look beyond my personal experience and point to news makers to see an example of false teachers.
We surely remember cult leaders like Jim Jones of the People's Temple. The charismatic leader led 918 people to their deaths by telling them to drink poisoned Kool-aid. His activities were under government surveillance. According to some reports he was having sex with both men and women in his congregation. He'd moved some of his followers to a secluded compound in Guyana, South America to get away from US intervention. The results of his ministry was abominable. Bad fruit from a bad tree. I'm sure that Jim Jones did many good things, but deep down he was egomaniacal and deluded. Power given him by his followers led him to believe he was Christ incarnate. When everything began to unravel, and people started to try and escape his failed utopia, he ended it all in mass suicide, promising heaven's glory on the other side of the poisoned drink.
How many might have been saved if they were able to recognize a false teacher with false motives? Little children died that day as their parents encouraged them to drink the Kool-aid. So horribly sad!
I think of the Westborough Baptist Church and their message of judgment upon America for embracing homosexuality. They picket funerals and public gatherings with signs filled with hateful messages. What is the fruit? Good or bad? The congregation is basically a family unit mostly related by blood or marriage to the spiritual leader/grandfather. Their controversial ministry has given them worldwide recognition and there's only about 100 of them! I wonder if anyone has been led to a life-saving relationship with Christ because of their tactics. I wonder if anyone has changed their mind about sin because of their teaching.
I do know their protest activities are an embarrassment to most Christians I know. Misguided and cruel are their actions, in my opinion. They appear like modern day Pharisees with dispassionate legalism.
So it's good to be reminded that such men and women are in the church, grinding out personal and political agendas, having little to do with Christ and His kingdom. Jesus' teaching reminds me to be watchful and also pertinent as I wait for the fruit to show itself. Jesus' teaching also gets me to look at my own fruit, the results of my efforts in ministry, and I wonder how much of it is good or bad. Is what I do in ministry bringing people closer to Christ? Have my actions driven people away from God or put them on a misguided path? At what level am I in ministry for personal gain? These are good questions, filtering reflections to consider from time to time.
None of us are perfect. We worship and serve The Perfect One. Humility before Him and each other nurtures the body and leads to health and fruitful ministry. May God bless your ministry with good fruit and grant you wisdom to see false teachers wherever they might appear.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"By their fruit you will recognize them." Jesus warns His disciples to watch out for false teachers. What exactly is a false teacher? In the New Testament there are several instances of speaking against false teachers. The most prevalent is against the so called, "circumcision group." This group taught Gentile men that they must be circumcised and follow the laws of the Jews given through Moses if they were to be members of the church of Jesus Christ. Other passages depict false teachers as greedy for personal gain, not caring for the souls of those among whom they serve. So it would seem that a false teacher not only teaches perverse doctrine contrary to what Jesus and His chosen apostles have passed down, but that they also carry impure motives pointed toward selfish ends. You can spot a false teacher by the results of their ministry.
I personally have not encountered false teachers per say. I have encountered good intentioned souls who made mistakes and whose beliefs ran contrary to my own. I wouldn't say they were in professional ministry for personal glory. We just didn't read the bible the same way, nor did we experience God the same way. That could have put us at odds, but I respected them for their many good qualities and good fruit in their ministry. They also respected me, though we disagreed. So I have to look beyond my personal experience and point to news makers to see an example of false teachers.
We surely remember cult leaders like Jim Jones of the People's Temple. The charismatic leader led 918 people to their deaths by telling them to drink poisoned Kool-aid. His activities were under government surveillance. According to some reports he was having sex with both men and women in his congregation. He'd moved some of his followers to a secluded compound in Guyana, South America to get away from US intervention. The results of his ministry was abominable. Bad fruit from a bad tree. I'm sure that Jim Jones did many good things, but deep down he was egomaniacal and deluded. Power given him by his followers led him to believe he was Christ incarnate. When everything began to unravel, and people started to try and escape his failed utopia, he ended it all in mass suicide, promising heaven's glory on the other side of the poisoned drink.
How many might have been saved if they were able to recognize a false teacher with false motives? Little children died that day as their parents encouraged them to drink the Kool-aid. So horribly sad!
I think of the Westborough Baptist Church and their message of judgment upon America for embracing homosexuality. They picket funerals and public gatherings with signs filled with hateful messages. What is the fruit? Good or bad? The congregation is basically a family unit mostly related by blood or marriage to the spiritual leader/grandfather. Their controversial ministry has given them worldwide recognition and there's only about 100 of them! I wonder if anyone has been led to a life-saving relationship with Christ because of their tactics. I wonder if anyone has changed their mind about sin because of their teaching.
I do know their protest activities are an embarrassment to most Christians I know. Misguided and cruel are their actions, in my opinion. They appear like modern day Pharisees with dispassionate legalism.
So it's good to be reminded that such men and women are in the church, grinding out personal and political agendas, having little to do with Christ and His kingdom. Jesus' teaching reminds me to be watchful and also pertinent as I wait for the fruit to show itself. Jesus' teaching also gets me to look at my own fruit, the results of my efforts in ministry, and I wonder how much of it is good or bad. Is what I do in ministry bringing people closer to Christ? Have my actions driven people away from God or put them on a misguided path? At what level am I in ministry for personal gain? These are good questions, filtering reflections to consider from time to time.
None of us are perfect. We worship and serve The Perfect One. Humility before Him and each other nurtures the body and leads to health and fruitful ministry. May God bless your ministry with good fruit and grant you wisdom to see false teachers wherever they might appear.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Matthew 7:7-14
Matthew 7:7-14 NIV
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been in professional ministry for 22 years. I remember when I first started. I had a fire inside to serve the Lord and lead everyone I could to into His loving embrace. I had a vision for ministry in which Jesus stood before us with His arms opened wide, and me leading millions of people into His embrace. The love of God in Christ compelled me to take up the mantle... and I had no idea what I was doing. I only knew He had called me and the bishop had appointed me. Clumsily, awkwardly, and naively I walked into ministry. Little did I know the burdens I would carry and the spiritual warfare I would face. There were many times in my career when I was driven to my knees in prayer.
This teaching of Jesus seems so simple, and yet it's so hard to believe. If I read it at face value, then according to Jesus I only need ask and it will be given to me. I only need to seek and I'll find what I'm looking for. I guess Bono of U2 found that seeking did not lead to what He was looking for, because he wrote the hit song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." And if I knock at heaven's door, will it open to me so easily?
My experience is varied. I've prayed for God to heal people, but sometimes God does not heal, not in the way I desire. If I had my way everyone would live to a ripe old age and then, when they are ready, fall asleep and wake up in heaven. But instead we inhabit a world in bondage to decay. People suffer and die every day. I don't know why Jesus tells us ask and it will be given, when clearly that doesn't always happen.
Still, I am witness to many answered prayers. Some prayers answered were miraculous. And my own experience is that God provides for His faithful. I've been specific about what I needed in my prayers and the Lord has given me exactly what I prayed for plus added bonuses. Once I had to get work outside my pastoral duties because the congregation could not afford to pay me full time. I asked God for a specific kind of job with a specific salary and various provisions that came with the position. I got exactly what I asked for with an additional commission potential. That has happened for me twice in my life. I graduated from seminary with no debt because the Lord provided. I sought the Lord and I found His generous grace at work all around me! I have to admit it was amazing and terrifying to be dealt with in this manner. Walking by faith was a whole new kind of game.
But now I'm older, more experienced and more comfortable with my relationship with God. I know I can trust God to give me what I need, so if I ask in God's will, I know He will eventually give it to me. Now I may not get what I covet or want, but God will always give what is needed.
Jesus' teaching centers on trust. Can you trust God? Are you able to see yourself as God's beloved child upon whom He delights in showering gifts? I'm a new grandfather. My granddaughter Margot is a beautiful girl. Every picture I see of her gives me joy. I love her and I know I'm going to do anything I can to show her my love. If she asks me for a toy at the store, I'm likely to get it for her. So if that's how I feel about my granddaughter, and I'm a sinful human, how do you think God is going to treat you when you ask for something? God is perfect and His care for His children will be quick and generous.
I know that God doesn't provide on my time schedule, but He does provide at the right time. The waiting is a test of faith and it causes me to grow in faith and obedience. So even the waiting on God to respond to our prayers is a gift!
"Knock and the door will be opened to you." I am sure Jesus was simply being poetic and effective in His preaching. Saying something three times in three different ways helps listeners grasp the point. But I'm reading this phrase as a reference to prayer. Knocking on the door for me represents contemplative prayer and that divine communion we all need. I've prayed many times and not felt anything nor heard anything. I've walked away empty handed, or so I have thought. So knocking doesn't always lead me to heaven's open door. Sometimes it feels like the doors are sealed tight, or worse, slammed in my face!
Thomas Keating, a recognized leader in contemplative prayer, says that when we don't experience emotional or physical sensations in prayer, it does not mean that God isn't working in us. We can rest assured that God is! He is working at subconscious levels, which is about 90% of our total experience anyway. When God's activity bursts into our conscious experience, it's wonderful, but that isn't necessary to reap the benefits of prayer. Ever since the curtain that covered the holy of holies in the Jerusalem temple, the day Jesus died, heaven's door has been opened too all who come in Jesus' name! So knock! The door is open! Come and fellowship with your God.
It's not an easy life, the Christian calling. In fact Jesus says the way that leads to life is through a narrow gate. The road to destruction is wide, but the path to eternal and everlasting life is narrow and few find it. The good news is that we are not without a guide, not are we without help on the journey. Ask and the Spirit of God will be your guide to eternal riches in Christ. Seek and you will find the gate that only the few find. And knock at the door and you will be welcomed into the majestic journey that is faith. Totally worth it!!!
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been in professional ministry for 22 years. I remember when I first started. I had a fire inside to serve the Lord and lead everyone I could to into His loving embrace. I had a vision for ministry in which Jesus stood before us with His arms opened wide, and me leading millions of people into His embrace. The love of God in Christ compelled me to take up the mantle... and I had no idea what I was doing. I only knew He had called me and the bishop had appointed me. Clumsily, awkwardly, and naively I walked into ministry. Little did I know the burdens I would carry and the spiritual warfare I would face. There were many times in my career when I was driven to my knees in prayer.
This teaching of Jesus seems so simple, and yet it's so hard to believe. If I read it at face value, then according to Jesus I only need ask and it will be given to me. I only need to seek and I'll find what I'm looking for. I guess Bono of U2 found that seeking did not lead to what He was looking for, because he wrote the hit song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." And if I knock at heaven's door, will it open to me so easily?
My experience is varied. I've prayed for God to heal people, but sometimes God does not heal, not in the way I desire. If I had my way everyone would live to a ripe old age and then, when they are ready, fall asleep and wake up in heaven. But instead we inhabit a world in bondage to decay. People suffer and die every day. I don't know why Jesus tells us ask and it will be given, when clearly that doesn't always happen.
Still, I am witness to many answered prayers. Some prayers answered were miraculous. And my own experience is that God provides for His faithful. I've been specific about what I needed in my prayers and the Lord has given me exactly what I prayed for plus added bonuses. Once I had to get work outside my pastoral duties because the congregation could not afford to pay me full time. I asked God for a specific kind of job with a specific salary and various provisions that came with the position. I got exactly what I asked for with an additional commission potential. That has happened for me twice in my life. I graduated from seminary with no debt because the Lord provided. I sought the Lord and I found His generous grace at work all around me! I have to admit it was amazing and terrifying to be dealt with in this manner. Walking by faith was a whole new kind of game.
But now I'm older, more experienced and more comfortable with my relationship with God. I know I can trust God to give me what I need, so if I ask in God's will, I know He will eventually give it to me. Now I may not get what I covet or want, but God will always give what is needed.
Jesus' teaching centers on trust. Can you trust God? Are you able to see yourself as God's beloved child upon whom He delights in showering gifts? I'm a new grandfather. My granddaughter Margot is a beautiful girl. Every picture I see of her gives me joy. I love her and I know I'm going to do anything I can to show her my love. If she asks me for a toy at the store, I'm likely to get it for her. So if that's how I feel about my granddaughter, and I'm a sinful human, how do you think God is going to treat you when you ask for something? God is perfect and His care for His children will be quick and generous.
I know that God doesn't provide on my time schedule, but He does provide at the right time. The waiting is a test of faith and it causes me to grow in faith and obedience. So even the waiting on God to respond to our prayers is a gift!
"Knock and the door will be opened to you." I am sure Jesus was simply being poetic and effective in His preaching. Saying something three times in three different ways helps listeners grasp the point. But I'm reading this phrase as a reference to prayer. Knocking on the door for me represents contemplative prayer and that divine communion we all need. I've prayed many times and not felt anything nor heard anything. I've walked away empty handed, or so I have thought. So knocking doesn't always lead me to heaven's open door. Sometimes it feels like the doors are sealed tight, or worse, slammed in my face!
Thomas Keating, a recognized leader in contemplative prayer, says that when we don't experience emotional or physical sensations in prayer, it does not mean that God isn't working in us. We can rest assured that God is! He is working at subconscious levels, which is about 90% of our total experience anyway. When God's activity bursts into our conscious experience, it's wonderful, but that isn't necessary to reap the benefits of prayer. Ever since the curtain that covered the holy of holies in the Jerusalem temple, the day Jesus died, heaven's door has been opened too all who come in Jesus' name! So knock! The door is open! Come and fellowship with your God.
It's not an easy life, the Christian calling. In fact Jesus says the way that leads to life is through a narrow gate. The road to destruction is wide, but the path to eternal and everlasting life is narrow and few find it. The good news is that we are not without a guide, not are we without help on the journey. Ask and the Spirit of God will be your guide to eternal riches in Christ. Seek and you will find the gate that only the few find. And knock at the door and you will be welcomed into the majestic journey that is faith. Totally worth it!!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Matthew 7:1-6
Matthew 7:1-6 NIV
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Judging others is a popular pastime these days. The news media sets the pace for judging public characters, whether it be politicians, entertainers, or ordinary people who happen to get their fifteen minutes of fame. Former talk shows like Phil Donahue, Jerry Springer, and the like have made judging others a form of entertainment. And social networks are filled with judgemental jabs. Do you think any of us realize we will get what's coming to us? If you dish out judgement, judgement is falling upon you soon enough. But don't think that God is punishing you for judgmentalism. You'd be doing it to yourself.
Jesus would have His followers focused on improving their own shortcomings, not policing someone else's. The measure at which you judge others is likely the same level at which you are listening to an inner judge accuse you. Psychologically speaking, a judgemental person is not at peace with themselves. Low self esteem can often be expressed in making judgements upon others around them. You've surely heard that people put others down so them can feel better about themselves. Judging others is a form of self elevation. When you put people in their place in your own mind, you are making a distinction between yourself and them, as if you, not being like them, are better.
The trouble with this kind of unhealthy attitude is that it keeps us from really dealing with our own spiritual health. While we pick at the sins and shortcomings of our neighbours, we are not attending to our own need to grow in Christ. Are you afraid to be honest with yourself? You've accepted Christ as Saviour, so you admit to yourself that you are a sinner in need of rescue. What are the areas in your life where you could use some divine help to set you free? Instead of obsessing over the failures of others, pay attention to your own spiritual progress.
In addition, when we judge others, we are missing the opportunity to experience their God-given divine potential. See others for who they are, humans made in God's image. God is working on them to become like His Son, Jesus. God's grace is doing the same work in you.
If we are not to judge others wrongdoings, then why are there so many biblical instances of judgement? The Law of Moses gives death penalties for a variety of sins. New Testament apostles write with judgement about false teachers and the sexually immoral. And the prophets are filled with judgements from God against Israel, Judah and their enemies. So why is judging so bad?
Let's be clear. We are not the ultimate judge. Only Christ. And often when the bible is translated into the English word "judge", it means to govern, not to pass sentence on another as if in a court of law. However, there are instances when we are told to judge in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 5:11-13 NIV
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 NIV
Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
Let judgement begin with you. Once you are perfected in Christ, then perhaps the church might call upon you to judge others, but never appoint yourself as judge.
Having warned the church about judgemental attitudes, Jesus then acknowledges that we must be wary of evil men. "Do not cast your pearls before swine." Whatever grace you have received in your journey, share that with others to build them up, but don't be a fool and waste it on those you realize have no desire to obey God. Jesus warns His followers to be careful among unbelievers. Choose wisely to whom you will witness and among whom you will minister.
Discernment is very different from judgement. Discernment occurs in prayer, searching the scriptures, and among the counsel of the saints (other believers). And when a discerning mind decides to stay away from certain people, one does not pronounce angry or hateful judgemental statements. If they want God they will come to Him. Your bashing won't assist their progress. But if they want to know why you follow Christ, you may be led by the Spirit to exhortation and correction for their benefit. That's not judgement. That is compassionate and wise counsel.
So keep your eyes on Jesus. The closer you draw to His perfection, the more He will cleanse you of your imperfections. The more you are looking upon the beauty of your Saviour and listening for the Spirit's guidance, the more likely you will be an assistance to other seekers on the spiritual journey. Be merciful to yourself just as Christ has shown mercy to you by giving His life for you. And share His mercy with everyone.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Judging others is a popular pastime these days. The news media sets the pace for judging public characters, whether it be politicians, entertainers, or ordinary people who happen to get their fifteen minutes of fame. Former talk shows like Phil Donahue, Jerry Springer, and the like have made judging others a form of entertainment. And social networks are filled with judgemental jabs. Do you think any of us realize we will get what's coming to us? If you dish out judgement, judgement is falling upon you soon enough. But don't think that God is punishing you for judgmentalism. You'd be doing it to yourself.
Jesus would have His followers focused on improving their own shortcomings, not policing someone else's. The measure at which you judge others is likely the same level at which you are listening to an inner judge accuse you. Psychologically speaking, a judgemental person is not at peace with themselves. Low self esteem can often be expressed in making judgements upon others around them. You've surely heard that people put others down so them can feel better about themselves. Judging others is a form of self elevation. When you put people in their place in your own mind, you are making a distinction between yourself and them, as if you, not being like them, are better.
The trouble with this kind of unhealthy attitude is that it keeps us from really dealing with our own spiritual health. While we pick at the sins and shortcomings of our neighbours, we are not attending to our own need to grow in Christ. Are you afraid to be honest with yourself? You've accepted Christ as Saviour, so you admit to yourself that you are a sinner in need of rescue. What are the areas in your life where you could use some divine help to set you free? Instead of obsessing over the failures of others, pay attention to your own spiritual progress.
In addition, when we judge others, we are missing the opportunity to experience their God-given divine potential. See others for who they are, humans made in God's image. God is working on them to become like His Son, Jesus. God's grace is doing the same work in you.
If we are not to judge others wrongdoings, then why are there so many biblical instances of judgement? The Law of Moses gives death penalties for a variety of sins. New Testament apostles write with judgement about false teachers and the sexually immoral. And the prophets are filled with judgements from God against Israel, Judah and their enemies. So why is judging so bad?
Let's be clear. We are not the ultimate judge. Only Christ. And often when the bible is translated into the English word "judge", it means to govern, not to pass sentence on another as if in a court of law. However, there are instances when we are told to judge in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 5:11-13 NIV
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 NIV
Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
Let judgement begin with you. Once you are perfected in Christ, then perhaps the church might call upon you to judge others, but never appoint yourself as judge.
Having warned the church about judgemental attitudes, Jesus then acknowledges that we must be wary of evil men. "Do not cast your pearls before swine." Whatever grace you have received in your journey, share that with others to build them up, but don't be a fool and waste it on those you realize have no desire to obey God. Jesus warns His followers to be careful among unbelievers. Choose wisely to whom you will witness and among whom you will minister.
Discernment is very different from judgement. Discernment occurs in prayer, searching the scriptures, and among the counsel of the saints (other believers). And when a discerning mind decides to stay away from certain people, one does not pronounce angry or hateful judgemental statements. If they want God they will come to Him. Your bashing won't assist their progress. But if they want to know why you follow Christ, you may be led by the Spirit to exhortation and correction for their benefit. That's not judgement. That is compassionate and wise counsel.
So keep your eyes on Jesus. The closer you draw to His perfection, the more He will cleanse you of your imperfections. The more you are looking upon the beauty of your Saviour and listening for the Spirit's guidance, the more likely you will be an assistance to other seekers on the spiritual journey. Be merciful to yourself just as Christ has shown mercy to you by giving His life for you. And share His mercy with everyone.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6:25-34 NIV
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This passage, from Jesus' Sermon on The Mount, is the very passage I chose to preach my first sermon. I'm very familiar with worry, so I find this passage to be comforting. Jesus sets my eyes upon what's important, and builds up my trust in God to provide for my family's needs.
The people who followed Jesus in first century Palestine were of every economic class. The poor were the predominate class. Some scholars say that people living at a basic sustenance level were as high as 99%. I couldn't say if that's accurate, but if you look at America in its early history, a similar situation existed. most were just living off the land. Is worry primarily a problem with those eeking out a living? No. Worry is a common human experience that all of us experience. Some worry at a pathological level with various phobias. Most worry over things they cannot control. So why worry? And does worrying help at all?
Jesus first uses the word "Therefore" which implies he's being leading up to making his point. What precedes this passage is a discussion of money. Jesus said you cannot serve God and money, so invest yourself in heavenly matters and let the earthly matters be. Don't store up treasures for yourself that fade, but instead make regular deposits toward your heavenly assets. To follow this train of thought we might read Jesus' first point in this passage as follows.
"Therefore do not worry about earthly gain."
But Jesus uses examples, not of treasures or luxuries, but of basic necessities.like food, drink, and clothing. Life is more than food, drink and clothing, Jesus said. Agreed. Life is about Star Wars, rock music, and other recreational activities. (Sorry. I couldn't help myself.) Of course I'm joking. What is life if it's not about basic necessities? If I have food, water, air and shelter, don't I have enough?
According to experts in the field of human thriving, love and acceptance rate in the top right along with air and water. Without love, we fail to thrive. There can be disastrous health issues related to human estrangement and alienation. At the core of who we are is an innate need to belong to something greater than ourselves. We start with small things like our imagination as children, but childhood gives way to adolescence and our horizons stretch and are more grounded. We long for adulthood, independence, etc. When we reach early adulthood we realize adulting is hard and it's not what we hoped for. Marriage meets our need to belong. Friendship can too at some level, but human relationships are limited. The ultimate answer to your need is a right relationship with your creator, the very One who knit you together in the womb. Belonging to God answers the deepest of human needs. This is what Jesus is wanting His disciples to understand. Don't worry about things like where your next paycheck is coming from. Instead seek first God's Kingdom and righteousness. Everything else will fall into place.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This passage, from Jesus' Sermon on The Mount, is the very passage I chose to preach my first sermon. I'm very familiar with worry, so I find this passage to be comforting. Jesus sets my eyes upon what's important, and builds up my trust in God to provide for my family's needs.
The people who followed Jesus in first century Palestine were of every economic class. The poor were the predominate class. Some scholars say that people living at a basic sustenance level were as high as 99%. I couldn't say if that's accurate, but if you look at America in its early history, a similar situation existed. most were just living off the land. Is worry primarily a problem with those eeking out a living? No. Worry is a common human experience that all of us experience. Some worry at a pathological level with various phobias. Most worry over things they cannot control. So why worry? And does worrying help at all?
Jesus first uses the word "Therefore" which implies he's being leading up to making his point. What precedes this passage is a discussion of money. Jesus said you cannot serve God and money, so invest yourself in heavenly matters and let the earthly matters be. Don't store up treasures for yourself that fade, but instead make regular deposits toward your heavenly assets. To follow this train of thought we might read Jesus' first point in this passage as follows.
"Therefore do not worry about earthly gain."
But Jesus uses examples, not of treasures or luxuries, but of basic necessities.like food, drink, and clothing. Life is more than food, drink and clothing, Jesus said. Agreed. Life is about Star Wars, rock music, and other recreational activities. (Sorry. I couldn't help myself.) Of course I'm joking. What is life if it's not about basic necessities? If I have food, water, air and shelter, don't I have enough?
According to experts in the field of human thriving, love and acceptance rate in the top right along with air and water. Without love, we fail to thrive. There can be disastrous health issues related to human estrangement and alienation. At the core of who we are is an innate need to belong to something greater than ourselves. We start with small things like our imagination as children, but childhood gives way to adolescence and our horizons stretch and are more grounded. We long for adulthood, independence, etc. When we reach early adulthood we realize adulting is hard and it's not what we hoped for. Marriage meets our need to belong. Friendship can too at some level, but human relationships are limited. The ultimate answer to your need is a right relationship with your creator, the very One who knit you together in the womb. Belonging to God answers the deepest of human needs. This is what Jesus is wanting His disciples to understand. Don't worry about things like where your next paycheck is coming from. Instead seek first God's Kingdom and righteousness. Everything else will fall into place.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Matthew 6:19-24
Matthew 6:19-24 NIV
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ah yes, the money message! Loads of church attendees have been turned off by messages from the pulpit urging the giving of money. I've heard more than once someone grumble, "All they ever talk about is money." I wonder if the disciples gathered around Jesus had similar reactions? Why do people tend to despise sermons about money. I know some pastors who are timid about the whole subject. They hate it when the annual stewardship sermons come around in their preaching schedule. What is it with this topic that makes it so difficult? Perhaps Jesus can shed some light.
The Lord begins the subject on money by comparing the amassing of earthly wealth to eternal riches. Earthly wealth is vulnerable to decay and theft. A nice car eventually becomes a worn out car. A luxury home requires maintenance just like any other. Roofs eventually leak. Windows crack. Tree waste builds up in the gutters. Carpets need replacing. And of course the more one lives in luxury, the more a thief wants to steal what you have. The 2008 market crash, a result of incredible greed on the part of our banking system, emptied out pensions, made millions jobless and homeless, and brought national economies around the world to lows like the Great Depression. Yes, earthly wealth is vulnerable. As they say, "You can't take it with you."
What is the alternative? Choose poverty like Francis of Assisi? Jesus spoke of wealth a number of times in the gospels. Did you realize that you will find about 800 verses that deal with money in the Bible? Jesus talked about money more than He did Heaven and Hell combined. He talked about money more than anything else except the Kingdom of God. 11 of 39 parables talk about money. 1 of every 7 verses in the Gospel of Luke talks about money. Why might that be? I think it's because Jesus knew that money is like a god to us. Wealth is an idol of sorts. And God's first commandment of the Big Ten is to have no other gods to pursue but Yahweh, The Lord who delivers us.
Jesus says, "You cannot serve God and money." How is it that one would serve money? I used the word pursue earlier in reference to idolatry. Jesus said that our hearts will be where our treasure lies. Serving God is a matter of the heart, wouldn't you agree? The heart is about passion. What are you passionate about? Some will say without blinking, "Making money!" Wall Street is all about making money through trading investments. Our financial industry is built on the desire to amass more and more money. If you were asked what are you passionate about, would your first thought be Jesus?
I have many passions. I love rock music. I love Hollywood films, especially sci-fi and historical drama. I love my family. I love my wife. I love traveling and taking in the natural beauty of this world. I love the sun! I have many loves. If I look at how I spend my time and money I can see that charity and giving is much lower than my spending on home, cars and entertainment. I spend my non-working hours relaxing and enjoying these things. I place more posts on Facebook about music and movies than I do about matters of faith. I've got some adjustments to make if my time and spending are going to reflect my truest passion.
But it just occurred to me that with God, a little goes a long way. Why is that? How can an hour or two on Sunday and fifteen minutes each morning make a bigger impact on my life than the hours and hours I spend watching movies and series? How can a 20 minute sermon speak to me all week when the lyrics of beloved music continually plays in the jukebox in my head? I think the answer is that time spent with God and for God gives us a hint of what true treasures lie with Him. What God gives is eternal and cannot be taken away. We can spurn His gifts and waste them on frivolity, but heavenly treasures do not depreciate in value over time like earthly things. Even I get tired of State Wars and need to move on to something else. When I spend time with God I receive life. And the life stuff comes from no other source. I might get a charge anticipating the new Star Wars movie coming in December, but in my heart I know that the experience will bring only short-lived joy. But with God there is abundant life, everlasting and eternal.
When I really think about it, why don't I spend more time serving the Lifegiver? What is it that I am pursuing with my life? Where does my treasure and my heart lie?
My treasure and heart lie where my eyes are set. If the eyes of my heart are not set upon Jesus, then I am a fool worshipping worthless idols who cannot give life nor rescue me from death... or depreciation. Healthy eyes are looking upon the Lord and bringing light and life to the body. Unhealthy eyes are looking for life in all the wrong places.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ah yes, the money message! Loads of church attendees have been turned off by messages from the pulpit urging the giving of money. I've heard more than once someone grumble, "All they ever talk about is money." I wonder if the disciples gathered around Jesus had similar reactions? Why do people tend to despise sermons about money. I know some pastors who are timid about the whole subject. They hate it when the annual stewardship sermons come around in their preaching schedule. What is it with this topic that makes it so difficult? Perhaps Jesus can shed some light.
The Lord begins the subject on money by comparing the amassing of earthly wealth to eternal riches. Earthly wealth is vulnerable to decay and theft. A nice car eventually becomes a worn out car. A luxury home requires maintenance just like any other. Roofs eventually leak. Windows crack. Tree waste builds up in the gutters. Carpets need replacing. And of course the more one lives in luxury, the more a thief wants to steal what you have. The 2008 market crash, a result of incredible greed on the part of our banking system, emptied out pensions, made millions jobless and homeless, and brought national economies around the world to lows like the Great Depression. Yes, earthly wealth is vulnerable. As they say, "You can't take it with you."
What is the alternative? Choose poverty like Francis of Assisi? Jesus spoke of wealth a number of times in the gospels. Did you realize that you will find about 800 verses that deal with money in the Bible? Jesus talked about money more than He did Heaven and Hell combined. He talked about money more than anything else except the Kingdom of God. 11 of 39 parables talk about money. 1 of every 7 verses in the Gospel of Luke talks about money. Why might that be? I think it's because Jesus knew that money is like a god to us. Wealth is an idol of sorts. And God's first commandment of the Big Ten is to have no other gods to pursue but Yahweh, The Lord who delivers us.
Jesus says, "You cannot serve God and money." How is it that one would serve money? I used the word pursue earlier in reference to idolatry. Jesus said that our hearts will be where our treasure lies. Serving God is a matter of the heart, wouldn't you agree? The heart is about passion. What are you passionate about? Some will say without blinking, "Making money!" Wall Street is all about making money through trading investments. Our financial industry is built on the desire to amass more and more money. If you were asked what are you passionate about, would your first thought be Jesus?
I have many passions. I love rock music. I love Hollywood films, especially sci-fi and historical drama. I love my family. I love my wife. I love traveling and taking in the natural beauty of this world. I love the sun! I have many loves. If I look at how I spend my time and money I can see that charity and giving is much lower than my spending on home, cars and entertainment. I spend my non-working hours relaxing and enjoying these things. I place more posts on Facebook about music and movies than I do about matters of faith. I've got some adjustments to make if my time and spending are going to reflect my truest passion.
But it just occurred to me that with God, a little goes a long way. Why is that? How can an hour or two on Sunday and fifteen minutes each morning make a bigger impact on my life than the hours and hours I spend watching movies and series? How can a 20 minute sermon speak to me all week when the lyrics of beloved music continually plays in the jukebox in my head? I think the answer is that time spent with God and for God gives us a hint of what true treasures lie with Him. What God gives is eternal and cannot be taken away. We can spurn His gifts and waste them on frivolity, but heavenly treasures do not depreciate in value over time like earthly things. Even I get tired of State Wars and need to move on to something else. When I spend time with God I receive life. And the life stuff comes from no other source. I might get a charge anticipating the new Star Wars movie coming in December, but in my heart I know that the experience will bring only short-lived joy. But with God there is abundant life, everlasting and eternal.
When I really think about it, why don't I spend more time serving the Lifegiver? What is it that I am pursuing with my life? Where does my treasure and my heart lie?
My treasure and heart lie where my eyes are set. If the eyes of my heart are not set upon Jesus, then I am a fool worshipping worthless idols who cannot give life nor rescue me from death... or depreciation. Healthy eyes are looking upon the Lord and bringing light and life to the body. Unhealthy eyes are looking for life in all the wrong places.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Matthew 6:16-18
Matthew 6:16-18 NIV
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Fasting isn't a spiritual discipline I practice a lot. I have a small amount of experience with it and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. Fasting is when a believer voluntarily abstains from food for spiritual purposes like: focusing on prayer or ministry to the needs of others; seeking deliverance, protection, or guidance; or expressing concern, grief, humility, repentance, or worship. Fasting, in the early Methodist movement, was a recommended means of grace. John Wesley referred to fasting as a work of piety, a means to deepen spiritually. He fasted every Friday for most of his life, abstaining from food from morning until evening. For a 13 year period he fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays. He felt that fasting was a necessary spiritual practice for anyone serious about growing in God's grace and required weekly fasting of the early Methodist pastors.
Nowadays a non-Christian is twice as likely to fast as a Christian. The practice is lost on us for the most part. Yet one of the fundamental places to learn the way of Christian discipleship, the Sermon on the Mount, contains teachings from our Lord on this very subject. Not once did Jesus speak on the topics in the forefront of the culture wars these days. Might we renew our interest in what Jesus spoke about?
One might argue that Jesus was speaking to Jews who were in the habit of fasting as part of their religious cultural traditions. They recognized national fasts to remember key events in the life of Israel. But Jesus saw that their fasting had become just another means to promote spiritual pride. He taught his disciples the true purpose of the fast...that is one's relationship with God. Like charity and prayer, if you practice these things to gain approval and accolades, you are misusing the gift of these means of grace. You'll find that you are missing the true reward, which is a deeper, more intimate and life-giving relationship with your creator.
Let's look at what Jesus teaches and apply it to our time and place. First Jesus says don't mourn and look disheveled, advertising to everyone the fact that you are fasting. Instead put oil in your head and wash your face, meaning groom yourself so that you don't stand out. He's not saying dress to the hilt. He's saying that some make a demonstration of their fasting for others to notice. He is saying, don't advertise the fact that you are fasting. When you are fasting dress the same way you always do. Groom yourself the way you always do, so as not to draw attention to yourself.
This opens up a whole other topic. Early Christians were exhorted to dress modestly. Today, however, it is not unusual to see people dress in finery, or in themed clothing that promote a musical entertainer, food, film or other popular icons. I own over a dozen Star Wars themed shirts, a hat and a pair of sneakers. If I wear those to worship on Sunday, what does that say about me? It could simply be that I like Star Wars and want others to know it. There's no real harm in that, but is that why I congregate with others in the sanctuary? No! I'm there to worship God and give the Lord the praise, honor, thanks and glory due Him. My clothing ought not take anyone's attention away from our chief purpose. So if I dress to attract others to me, I'm potentially steering them away from God. In the case of fasting our appearance should not draw people's attention to the fact that we are fasting. That could become a source of spiritual pride. Instead be private, even secretive about it. Only you and the Lord need know.
Plan your fast in advance. Decide the spiritual purpose for the fast. Do you desire guidance? Is there something you want God to do, some great work in the life of the church or community? Be clear about what you hope to gain from the fast. If weight loss is your goal, you are only dieting. A diet, even not eating for a period of days to jump start your weight loss goal, is not a spiritual discipline.
Don't schedule meals with co-workers or friends during that time. This keeps you from having to announce you are fasting when everyone else is ordering from the menu. I definitely did not think ahead when I did a Daniel Fast. That recent popular spiritual discipline is not truly a fast, but more abstinence from meat, dairy, other animal products, and processed foods with chemical preservatives and added sugars. My wife and I both work so cooking at home is not always practical. During the Daniel Fast I had to order a special vegetable plate outside the menu. Often I felt compelled to explain myself. We thought it worthwhile to celebrate our Christian spiritual practice, but I was certainly not following Jesus' guidance here.
The purpose of fasting and other spiritual disciplines is to give you a deeper relationship with God and open up the fountain of living water within you. May grace be given you more and more as you seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Fasting isn't a spiritual discipline I practice a lot. I have a small amount of experience with it and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. Fasting is when a believer voluntarily abstains from food for spiritual purposes like: focusing on prayer or ministry to the needs of others; seeking deliverance, protection, or guidance; or expressing concern, grief, humility, repentance, or worship. Fasting, in the early Methodist movement, was a recommended means of grace. John Wesley referred to fasting as a work of piety, a means to deepen spiritually. He fasted every Friday for most of his life, abstaining from food from morning until evening. For a 13 year period he fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays. He felt that fasting was a necessary spiritual practice for anyone serious about growing in God's grace and required weekly fasting of the early Methodist pastors.
Nowadays a non-Christian is twice as likely to fast as a Christian. The practice is lost on us for the most part. Yet one of the fundamental places to learn the way of Christian discipleship, the Sermon on the Mount, contains teachings from our Lord on this very subject. Not once did Jesus speak on the topics in the forefront of the culture wars these days. Might we renew our interest in what Jesus spoke about?
One might argue that Jesus was speaking to Jews who were in the habit of fasting as part of their religious cultural traditions. They recognized national fasts to remember key events in the life of Israel. But Jesus saw that their fasting had become just another means to promote spiritual pride. He taught his disciples the true purpose of the fast...that is one's relationship with God. Like charity and prayer, if you practice these things to gain approval and accolades, you are misusing the gift of these means of grace. You'll find that you are missing the true reward, which is a deeper, more intimate and life-giving relationship with your creator.
Let's look at what Jesus teaches and apply it to our time and place. First Jesus says don't mourn and look disheveled, advertising to everyone the fact that you are fasting. Instead put oil in your head and wash your face, meaning groom yourself so that you don't stand out. He's not saying dress to the hilt. He's saying that some make a demonstration of their fasting for others to notice. He is saying, don't advertise the fact that you are fasting. When you are fasting dress the same way you always do. Groom yourself the way you always do, so as not to draw attention to yourself.
This opens up a whole other topic. Early Christians were exhorted to dress modestly. Today, however, it is not unusual to see people dress in finery, or in themed clothing that promote a musical entertainer, food, film or other popular icons. I own over a dozen Star Wars themed shirts, a hat and a pair of sneakers. If I wear those to worship on Sunday, what does that say about me? It could simply be that I like Star Wars and want others to know it. There's no real harm in that, but is that why I congregate with others in the sanctuary? No! I'm there to worship God and give the Lord the praise, honor, thanks and glory due Him. My clothing ought not take anyone's attention away from our chief purpose. So if I dress to attract others to me, I'm potentially steering them away from God. In the case of fasting our appearance should not draw people's attention to the fact that we are fasting. That could become a source of spiritual pride. Instead be private, even secretive about it. Only you and the Lord need know.
Plan your fast in advance. Decide the spiritual purpose for the fast. Do you desire guidance? Is there something you want God to do, some great work in the life of the church or community? Be clear about what you hope to gain from the fast. If weight loss is your goal, you are only dieting. A diet, even not eating for a period of days to jump start your weight loss goal, is not a spiritual discipline.
Don't schedule meals with co-workers or friends during that time. This keeps you from having to announce you are fasting when everyone else is ordering from the menu. I definitely did not think ahead when I did a Daniel Fast. That recent popular spiritual discipline is not truly a fast, but more abstinence from meat, dairy, other animal products, and processed foods with chemical preservatives and added sugars. My wife and I both work so cooking at home is not always practical. During the Daniel Fast I had to order a special vegetable plate outside the menu. Often I felt compelled to explain myself. We thought it worthwhile to celebrate our Christian spiritual practice, but I was certainly not following Jesus' guidance here.
The purpose of fasting and other spiritual disciplines is to give you a deeper relationship with God and open up the fountain of living water within you. May grace be given you more and more as you seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Matthew 6:9-15
Matthew 6:9-15 NIV
“This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This prayer is well known. The church calls it The Lord's Prayer. My tradition prays this prayer corporately every Sunday. The liturgical version made a few changes and additions. So if you are used to praying the Lord's Prayer in worship or grew up doing so, you may sense the awkward differences between what you are accustomed to and the actual scripture.
There's only one other reference to the Lord's Prayer and that is in Luke.
Luke 11:2-4 NIV
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
You can see significant differences between the two. For instance Matthew says forgive us our debts, which could be interpreted as a financial debt to another, while Luke use sins.
Luke leaves off the intercession to deliver is from the evil one. One might find the language archaic to mention the evil one, so our liturgy simply says deliver us from evil. It's more general than personified. But the New Testament isn't embarrassed to speak of the devil. The plea is to be protected, even rescued from the schemes of our enemy.
The form of the prayer is as follows.
Adoration
Alignment
Supplication
Confession & Atonement
Deliverance
First we acknowledge to whom we are praying, our hallowed Father in heaven. Allow your heart to worship God. Give God the praise that is due him.
Secondly align your life with God's mission. Dedicate yourself to God's redemptive work in the world. Allow His will to be your will. Work His will in your life and on this earth. Be specific about what you're going to do so that your life is a reflection of God's love in action.
After adoration and alignment comes supplication. This is to ask the Lord to supply your needs. Be sure to pray for needs, not wants. James warns of self seeking prayers.
James 4:2b-3 NIV
You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
The apostle Paul says we don't know how we ought to pray, but the Holy Spirit prays for us in sighs to deep for words. (Rom 8:26) He prays in accordance with God's will for our needs!
Romans 8:27 NIV
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
So when you ask God for something, do so with right motives. Seek to do God's will as a good steward of what the Lord gives you. When you are trustworthy of what you have, you will be entrusted with more.
In confession and atonement, we pray for forgiveness remembering Christ's atoning death upon the cross. His blood washes away our sins. Be specific about your sins, what you should not have done and what you should've done but didn't. Jesus warns us not to take the Lord's mercy for granted. If we want forgiveness, then we need to be forgiving.
Jesus illustrated the idea that we must forgive others from the heart if we expect God to forgive us. He told of a servant who owed a great deal of money to his master, but couldn't pay. So his master threw him in jail. The servant begged for mercy and his master showed compassion. But that same servant was owed a small amount in comparison to his debt, but the servant showed no mercy. He threw his debtor in prison. So when the master learned of this, the unmerciful servant met his doom.
Unforgiveness is a prison of our own making. We cannot reap the benefit of the mercy shown to us in the cross of Christ, if we harbor resentment and do not forgive others. Unforgiveness is a block to God's transforming love and grace. So forgive your debtors just as God has forgiven you.
Finally pray for deliverance from whatever evil befalls you. Ask for wisdom to see when the devil is leading you down the wrong path. Become aware of destructive and selfish motives. Put on the full armor of God and in His mighty power you can stand against any evil.
The Lord's Prayer serves as a model. There are other models for prayer worthy of our attention, but this is the one model given by our Lord to His disciples. Adapt it to your prayer life and grow in grace.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This prayer is well known. The church calls it The Lord's Prayer. My tradition prays this prayer corporately every Sunday. The liturgical version made a few changes and additions. So if you are used to praying the Lord's Prayer in worship or grew up doing so, you may sense the awkward differences between what you are accustomed to and the actual scripture.
There's only one other reference to the Lord's Prayer and that is in Luke.
Luke 11:2-4 NIV
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
You can see significant differences between the two. For instance Matthew says forgive us our debts, which could be interpreted as a financial debt to another, while Luke use sins.
Luke leaves off the intercession to deliver is from the evil one. One might find the language archaic to mention the evil one, so our liturgy simply says deliver us from evil. It's more general than personified. But the New Testament isn't embarrassed to speak of the devil. The plea is to be protected, even rescued from the schemes of our enemy.
The form of the prayer is as follows.
Adoration
Alignment
Supplication
Confession & Atonement
Deliverance
First we acknowledge to whom we are praying, our hallowed Father in heaven. Allow your heart to worship God. Give God the praise that is due him.
Secondly align your life with God's mission. Dedicate yourself to God's redemptive work in the world. Allow His will to be your will. Work His will in your life and on this earth. Be specific about what you're going to do so that your life is a reflection of God's love in action.
After adoration and alignment comes supplication. This is to ask the Lord to supply your needs. Be sure to pray for needs, not wants. James warns of self seeking prayers.
James 4:2b-3 NIV
You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
The apostle Paul says we don't know how we ought to pray, but the Holy Spirit prays for us in sighs to deep for words. (Rom 8:26) He prays in accordance with God's will for our needs!
Romans 8:27 NIV
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
So when you ask God for something, do so with right motives. Seek to do God's will as a good steward of what the Lord gives you. When you are trustworthy of what you have, you will be entrusted with more.
In confession and atonement, we pray for forgiveness remembering Christ's atoning death upon the cross. His blood washes away our sins. Be specific about your sins, what you should not have done and what you should've done but didn't. Jesus warns us not to take the Lord's mercy for granted. If we want forgiveness, then we need to be forgiving.
Jesus illustrated the idea that we must forgive others from the heart if we expect God to forgive us. He told of a servant who owed a great deal of money to his master, but couldn't pay. So his master threw him in jail. The servant begged for mercy and his master showed compassion. But that same servant was owed a small amount in comparison to his debt, but the servant showed no mercy. He threw his debtor in prison. So when the master learned of this, the unmerciful servant met his doom.
Unforgiveness is a prison of our own making. We cannot reap the benefit of the mercy shown to us in the cross of Christ, if we harbor resentment and do not forgive others. Unforgiveness is a block to God's transforming love and grace. So forgive your debtors just as God has forgiven you.
Finally pray for deliverance from whatever evil befalls you. Ask for wisdom to see when the devil is leading you down the wrong path. Become aware of destructive and selfish motives. Put on the full armor of God and in His mighty power you can stand against any evil.
The Lord's Prayer serves as a model. There are other models for prayer worthy of our attention, but this is the one model given by our Lord to His disciples. Adapt it to your prayer life and grow in grace.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Matthew 6:5-8
Matthew 6:5-8 NIV
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This teaching continues in the same vein as the previous teaching on charity. The basic message is don't be a hypocrite, practicing your piety for others to see, so that you gain their approval and accolades. Instead seek God in private. Your heart should desire an intimate relationship with God as you practice spiritual disciplines. That is the true reward in practices like giving, prayer, and fasting.
Prayer is about relationship. I used to think of God as The Great Wish Granter. I thought the way prayer worked was like a gumball machine. You drop in a prayer request and out rolls a sweet solution from heaven. I've come to understand that prayer is primarily about deepening my life with God as my eternal companion.
I just watched Pete's Dragon, the new Disney adaption of their classic musical from the 1970's. Pete was lost in the woods for 6 years after a car crash that killed his parents. As the only survivor he was taken in by a magical Dragon. They became constant companions. The Dragon watched over Pete as if the boy was his own child. The Dragon provided for, protected and played with Pete. They had a happy life together. But when Pete came in contact with other humans and he spoke of his friend the dragon, they all thought it was an imaginary friend he'd constructed in his mind to cope with isolation in the forest.
God cannot be seen with our physical eyes, not unless there is the rare theophany, like His appearance on Mount Sinai. Atheists would claim God is an construct of human imagination to help weak-minded human beings to cope with the struggles of mortal life and our inevitable death. When we pray we're really just talking to ourselves, they would have us believe.
But people of faith know the difference between talking to ourselves and communing heart to heart with God. Jesus invites His disciples to pray in secret, and not out on the busy streets as a show for others. Don't make a show at church with your prayers. Instead pray in private at home to meet with your Father in heaven.
Does this mean public prayers in worship are wrong? No, not at all. Corporate prayer is very powerful when done with the desire to commune with our creator. Public prayers are only wrong when done with the foolish intention to impress people. If you want to impress people with your prayers, then you might gain their approval, but you won't be getting the true benefit of prayer, the transformative touch of God's grace and love.
When you pray to God don't babble on with many words. You might think that Jesus condemns long prayers. I used to think this teaching meant, "Keep it short and to the point. God knows what you need anyway." That is not what Jesus means here. In pagan worship it was a common practice to pray the many attributes of the god of whom they were trying to gain favor. The pagan priests would babble on with a long list of the god's accomplishments and characteristics in hope to gain favor. Jesus would have His disciples understand that we already have God's favor. He announced it through the prophet Isaiah when He preached in His hometown of Nazareth.
Luke 4:18-21 NIV
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
You don't need to try and get God's attention or vie for His time. God is always near and His eye lovingly watches over you. Like the psalmist wrote,
Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Of course we know that harm does come to us, but that's another discussion for another time. Suffice it to say that God is watching over you always. When harm occurs, God is with you in it and will bring you through it, even the great chasm between this life and eternity. You have God's favor. You didn't earn it. You don't need to work hard to gain God's favor. You already have it as a free gift from His bountiful love. So pray with the knowledge that God loves you and is intent upon transforming your life with Him, to reach your God-given potential. Prayer is a bedrock practice to deepen your life with God and a pathway to Christlikeness.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This teaching continues in the same vein as the previous teaching on charity. The basic message is don't be a hypocrite, practicing your piety for others to see, so that you gain their approval and accolades. Instead seek God in private. Your heart should desire an intimate relationship with God as you practice spiritual disciplines. That is the true reward in practices like giving, prayer, and fasting.
Prayer is about relationship. I used to think of God as The Great Wish Granter. I thought the way prayer worked was like a gumball machine. You drop in a prayer request and out rolls a sweet solution from heaven. I've come to understand that prayer is primarily about deepening my life with God as my eternal companion.
I just watched Pete's Dragon, the new Disney adaption of their classic musical from the 1970's. Pete was lost in the woods for 6 years after a car crash that killed his parents. As the only survivor he was taken in by a magical Dragon. They became constant companions. The Dragon watched over Pete as if the boy was his own child. The Dragon provided for, protected and played with Pete. They had a happy life together. But when Pete came in contact with other humans and he spoke of his friend the dragon, they all thought it was an imaginary friend he'd constructed in his mind to cope with isolation in the forest.
God cannot be seen with our physical eyes, not unless there is the rare theophany, like His appearance on Mount Sinai. Atheists would claim God is an construct of human imagination to help weak-minded human beings to cope with the struggles of mortal life and our inevitable death. When we pray we're really just talking to ourselves, they would have us believe.
But people of faith know the difference between talking to ourselves and communing heart to heart with God. Jesus invites His disciples to pray in secret, and not out on the busy streets as a show for others. Don't make a show at church with your prayers. Instead pray in private at home to meet with your Father in heaven.
Does this mean public prayers in worship are wrong? No, not at all. Corporate prayer is very powerful when done with the desire to commune with our creator. Public prayers are only wrong when done with the foolish intention to impress people. If you want to impress people with your prayers, then you might gain their approval, but you won't be getting the true benefit of prayer, the transformative touch of God's grace and love.
When you pray to God don't babble on with many words. You might think that Jesus condemns long prayers. I used to think this teaching meant, "Keep it short and to the point. God knows what you need anyway." That is not what Jesus means here. In pagan worship it was a common practice to pray the many attributes of the god of whom they were trying to gain favor. The pagan priests would babble on with a long list of the god's accomplishments and characteristics in hope to gain favor. Jesus would have His disciples understand that we already have God's favor. He announced it through the prophet Isaiah when He preached in His hometown of Nazareth.
Luke 4:18-21 NIV
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
You don't need to try and get God's attention or vie for His time. God is always near and His eye lovingly watches over you. Like the psalmist wrote,
Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Of course we know that harm does come to us, but that's another discussion for another time. Suffice it to say that God is watching over you always. When harm occurs, God is with you in it and will bring you through it, even the great chasm between this life and eternity. You have God's favor. You didn't earn it. You don't need to work hard to gain God's favor. You already have it as a free gift from His bountiful love. So pray with the knowledge that God loves you and is intent upon transforming your life with Him, to reach your God-given potential. Prayer is a bedrock practice to deepen your life with God and a pathway to Christlikeness.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 6:1-4 NIV
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
A friend of mine, Reverend Michael Carlson, wrote recently,
"Nobody can force anyone else to care about one's neighbor who is struggling. However, if you feel no compassion for the less fortunate, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be expected to do your part. Why? Because I don't think we really want to live with a government that is completely amoral when it comes to caring for children and the elderly who can't care for themselves. Government isn't there to justify your lack of compassion, but to make sure that our country maintains values that include compassion for others despite the selfish meanness in the hearts of some."
The condition of the heart, the attitude of our souls, is the area of spiritual life that Jesus centers upon. Don't be like the hypocrites who practice their piety in public to gain the approval of others. Practice your piety in secret and God will reward you with much more than the accolades of men and women.
Piety is a life of spiritual discipline. The disciplines of a pious life include charity to the poor and needy, prayer, study, fasting, journaling and other practices that center our lives around God. This reflection I am writing is one practice, a piece of my piety.
Jesus focuses first on giving alms or charity. He depicts the hypocrite as one who makes sure everyone knows about their generosity. They announce it with trumpets on street corners, so that it draws the attention of everyone around. They don't literally blast trumpets when they give to the poor, but they do whatever it takes to make sure others know what they are doing in order to gain approval and congratulations.
There must have been a competitive spirit among religious Jews like the Pharisees in Jesus' time. Even the writer of Hebrews tells the church to outdo one another in righteous works.
Heb 10:24 (TLB)
In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.
And Paul exhibits a competitive nature more than once in his letters.
Php 3:4b-6
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Galatians 1:13-14 NIV
For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
I think perhaps Jesus is zeroing in on this merit badge mentality. I'm not picking on the Boy Scouts. I was a badge seeker too at one time. I am proud of my Eagle Scout ranking with 3 silver palms. This means I excelled in service, leadership and personal development. I earned around 60 or so merit badges. I'm not really sure anymore. Merit badges are like college credits. They mark the completion of a learning experience. A merit badge is given for each course completion and sewn onto a sash and worn at honor courts. A scout displays his badges on his uniform and may enjoy accolades and admiration from other scouts, leaders and patents. If the attention and congratulations is what a scout is after, then that's about all the badges are worth. They've missed the real value which is learning and personal growth. You can gain 100 badges, but still be no richer if you haven't truly gained knowledge and experience from the course trainings. In the same way, a person who practices piety for attention and admiration from others has missed the true value of spiritual practices, which is to grow in your intimacy with God, to increase your God-centerness.
When your heart is right, when you seek a deep and abiding connection to Christ, then you will be continually nourished and strengthened inwardly with the grace of God. Living water will well up in you unto eternal life. The Holy Spirit will do His work and transform your life to reflect Christ Jesus. If you pursue God and long to be in relationship with your Lord, you will find the greatest of rewards, Love. The love of God far outshines awards, trophies and pats on the back. These are nice, but pale in comparison to eternal rewards that never lose their luster.
So when you give, give out of the wealth you've been given in your relationship with God. Why do you think people are so generous at Christmas? Some are because it is expected. It's tradition. Others do because they get caught up in the spirit of the season, the spirit of giving. But the truest gift comes from a heart overflowing with love, joy and compassion. They celebrate the God who loves them and sent Christ to grant them freedom and abundant life. Such a joy filled person can give it all away and still be the richest of people, because what they have the world didn't give to them, nor can it be taken away. Give in secret and enjoy the greatest of rewards from your Father in heaven who sees in secret.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
A friend of mine, Reverend Michael Carlson, wrote recently,
"Nobody can force anyone else to care about one's neighbor who is struggling. However, if you feel no compassion for the less fortunate, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be expected to do your part. Why? Because I don't think we really want to live with a government that is completely amoral when it comes to caring for children and the elderly who can't care for themselves. Government isn't there to justify your lack of compassion, but to make sure that our country maintains values that include compassion for others despite the selfish meanness in the hearts of some."
The condition of the heart, the attitude of our souls, is the area of spiritual life that Jesus centers upon. Don't be like the hypocrites who practice their piety in public to gain the approval of others. Practice your piety in secret and God will reward you with much more than the accolades of men and women.
Piety is a life of spiritual discipline. The disciplines of a pious life include charity to the poor and needy, prayer, study, fasting, journaling and other practices that center our lives around God. This reflection I am writing is one practice, a piece of my piety.
Jesus focuses first on giving alms or charity. He depicts the hypocrite as one who makes sure everyone knows about their generosity. They announce it with trumpets on street corners, so that it draws the attention of everyone around. They don't literally blast trumpets when they give to the poor, but they do whatever it takes to make sure others know what they are doing in order to gain approval and congratulations.
There must have been a competitive spirit among religious Jews like the Pharisees in Jesus' time. Even the writer of Hebrews tells the church to outdo one another in righteous works.
Heb 10:24 (TLB)
In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.
And Paul exhibits a competitive nature more than once in his letters.
Php 3:4b-6
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Galatians 1:13-14 NIV
For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
I think perhaps Jesus is zeroing in on this merit badge mentality. I'm not picking on the Boy Scouts. I was a badge seeker too at one time. I am proud of my Eagle Scout ranking with 3 silver palms. This means I excelled in service, leadership and personal development. I earned around 60 or so merit badges. I'm not really sure anymore. Merit badges are like college credits. They mark the completion of a learning experience. A merit badge is given for each course completion and sewn onto a sash and worn at honor courts. A scout displays his badges on his uniform and may enjoy accolades and admiration from other scouts, leaders and patents. If the attention and congratulations is what a scout is after, then that's about all the badges are worth. They've missed the real value which is learning and personal growth. You can gain 100 badges, but still be no richer if you haven't truly gained knowledge and experience from the course trainings. In the same way, a person who practices piety for attention and admiration from others has missed the true value of spiritual practices, which is to grow in your intimacy with God, to increase your God-centerness.
When your heart is right, when you seek a deep and abiding connection to Christ, then you will be continually nourished and strengthened inwardly with the grace of God. Living water will well up in you unto eternal life. The Holy Spirit will do His work and transform your life to reflect Christ Jesus. If you pursue God and long to be in relationship with your Lord, you will find the greatest of rewards, Love. The love of God far outshines awards, trophies and pats on the back. These are nice, but pale in comparison to eternal rewards that never lose their luster.
So when you give, give out of the wealth you've been given in your relationship with God. Why do you think people are so generous at Christmas? Some are because it is expected. It's tradition. Others do because they get caught up in the spirit of the season, the spirit of giving. But the truest gift comes from a heart overflowing with love, joy and compassion. They celebrate the God who loves them and sent Christ to grant them freedom and abundant life. Such a joy filled person can give it all away and still be the richest of people, because what they have the world didn't give to them, nor can it be taken away. Give in secret and enjoy the greatest of rewards from your Father in heaven who sees in secret.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Matthew 5:48
Matthew 5:48 NIV
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Nobody's perfect. So how can Jesus expect us to be perfect? The Pharisees were very disciplined and intensely focused on keeping every letter of the law. They created laws to ensure one would keep the Law of Moses in every conceivable situation. And yet they are not good enough? We have to be better than the Pharisees? Puzzling! Such a teaching seems burdensome.
Wikipedia states,
"Perfectionism, in psychology, is a personality trait characterized by a person's striving for flawlessness and setting excessively high performance standards, accompanied by overly critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others' evaluations." The dark side to perfectionism is that when one fails perfection they are unhappy and can slip into depression. Too much of their self worth is wrapped up in achieving high and unattainable goals.
Perfectionism, as a psychological orientation, is not Jesus' meaning. Instead Jesus is calling His disciples to become mature, full grown, complete, not lacking what is needed for righteousness.
By this point in the sermon, Jesus has established that the righteousness of His disciples must exceed that of the Pharisees. He shows how the values of the kingdom of heaven are different from the values of this world. He gives examples of what the higher righteousness looks like. Sinful behavior begins in the heart. That is where sin must be stopped. Lustful thinking may lead to fornication or adultery. Coveting can lead to theft, or unethical choices to get ahead. If we are to become full grown children of God, mature in our faith, our inner life needs transformation.
So how can we control our thinking? Martin Luther is reported to have said, "You can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair." In other words we can't stop sinful thoughts from coming to mind, but we can keep from dwelling on such thoughts.
Paul said,
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. If we are monitoring our inner life, our thinking, we will more likely grow in righteousness and reach maturity in faith.
Does that make us perfect? Not in the sense that we never make a mistake, or that we always know the right thing to do. John Wesley taught that Christian perfection was attainable. Christian perfection is to reach a state where divine love is leading every action, guiding every word, and redeeming every thought. When every thought, word, and deed comes from God's love, we will be perfect, full grown in love.
I'm 54 years old. I'm not full grown emotionally, or psychological, or intellectually, but physically I am mature. I'm not spiritually mature either. I have some growing to do. I will likely be growing in my ability to think, speak and act like Jesus for the length of my mortal journey. But I have everything I need. In regards to righteousness, I don't lack a thing. Jesus reigns within my heart. I just need to allow Him to lead me onto perfect, full grown love.
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Nobody's perfect. So how can Jesus expect us to be perfect? The Pharisees were very disciplined and intensely focused on keeping every letter of the law. They created laws to ensure one would keep the Law of Moses in every conceivable situation. And yet they are not good enough? We have to be better than the Pharisees? Puzzling! Such a teaching seems burdensome.
Wikipedia states,
"Perfectionism, in psychology, is a personality trait characterized by a person's striving for flawlessness and setting excessively high performance standards, accompanied by overly critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others' evaluations." The dark side to perfectionism is that when one fails perfection they are unhappy and can slip into depression. Too much of their self worth is wrapped up in achieving high and unattainable goals.
Perfectionism, as a psychological orientation, is not Jesus' meaning. Instead Jesus is calling His disciples to become mature, full grown, complete, not lacking what is needed for righteousness.
By this point in the sermon, Jesus has established that the righteousness of His disciples must exceed that of the Pharisees. He shows how the values of the kingdom of heaven are different from the values of this world. He gives examples of what the higher righteousness looks like. Sinful behavior begins in the heart. That is where sin must be stopped. Lustful thinking may lead to fornication or adultery. Coveting can lead to theft, or unethical choices to get ahead. If we are to become full grown children of God, mature in our faith, our inner life needs transformation.
So how can we control our thinking? Martin Luther is reported to have said, "You can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair." In other words we can't stop sinful thoughts from coming to mind, but we can keep from dwelling on such thoughts.
Paul said,
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. If we are monitoring our inner life, our thinking, we will more likely grow in righteousness and reach maturity in faith.
Does that make us perfect? Not in the sense that we never make a mistake, or that we always know the right thing to do. John Wesley taught that Christian perfection was attainable. Christian perfection is to reach a state where divine love is leading every action, guiding every word, and redeeming every thought. When every thought, word, and deed comes from God's love, we will be perfect, full grown in love.
I'm 54 years old. I'm not full grown emotionally, or psychological, or intellectually, but physically I am mature. I'm not spiritually mature either. I have some growing to do. I will likely be growing in my ability to think, speak and act like Jesus for the length of my mortal journey. But I have everything I need. In regards to righteousness, I don't lack a thing. Jesus reigns within my heart. I just need to allow Him to lead me onto perfect, full grown love.
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