Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thoughts from John 12:1-10
Okay, so I saw a tweet from somebody I follow that was about some reading they they were doing for lent. Well, I wasn't really raised with any kind of "lent" tradition. The most I ever even thought about lent was from some of my RC friends who would give up candy or something and not eat meat before Easter. But I decided to see if there was a lent reading plan on my Bible app.
Today it had me read John 12:1-10. It's the story of Jesus going Lazarus' about a week before Passover and Mary washing His feet with perfume and wiping them with her hair. Then of course Judas made a big deal about how they could have sold the expensive perfume andf given the money to the poor. Jesus rebuked Judas saying it was intended for His burial. I think whoever put this reading plan together expected the readers to focus on that. But something else struck me when I read the final few verses from The Message.
"Word got out amoung the Jews that He was back in town, The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus but also at Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him." vs 9-11
Now for the things I am pondering. Have not I been raised from the dead? And shouldn't that miracle of new life in me draw people to take a look? Is the evidence of Christ in my life turning crowds to believing in Jesus on account of me just like Lazarus' life did? And shouldn't my life as a believer so threaten the enemy that he would seek to plot ways to get rid of me?
And Lazarus wasn't really "doing" anything here. He was just hosting Jesus and living his life. He wasn't trying to be the center of attention or make a specticle of himself. He just was living as evidence of the power of Jesus in his life. But even just that "being" threatened the darkness. Is my life something that quietly, yet powerfully projects the power of Christ's life in me or am I no threat at all because I reflect the culture of this world as if I haven't been raised in newness?
Oh to be more Lazrus like.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Matthew 10:37-38
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.
The price of following is pretty steep. The call is to put Jesus, and Jesus alone above all else in our lives. And if you don't, you just aren't worthy of Him. He was speaking these words to the twelve before he sent them out, a little pep talk if you will. The irony is eleven of them scattered like roaches when He was arrested and the twelfth one betrayed Him. Those men followed Him for years. They heard Him speak, saw Him heal, felt the very power of God in His words, His actions. But yet, they couldn't even resist running and abandoning Him.
Nobody is worthy of Him. How is there even hope for me of those who spent years in His very company failed Him? He knows my weaknesses, He understands my struggles, He knows I am so unable to do all He requires and asks, so unable to be worthy of Him on my own. That's the thing that really shows us something special to us about Jesus. His unfathomable love, mercy and grace. In my weaknesses, His strength is shown. In my struggles, He secures victory for me. In my worthlessness to be worthy of Him, He writes my name in the book of life.
The price of following is pretty steep. The call is to put Jesus, and Jesus alone above all else in our lives. And if you don't, you just aren't worthy of Him. He was speaking these words to the twelve before he sent them out, a little pep talk if you will. The irony is eleven of them scattered like roaches when He was arrested and the twelfth one betrayed Him. Those men followed Him for years. They heard Him speak, saw Him heal, felt the very power of God in His words, His actions. But yet, they couldn't even resist running and abandoning Him.
Nobody is worthy of Him. How is there even hope for me of those who spent years in His very company failed Him? He knows my weaknesses, He understands my struggles, He knows I am so unable to do all He requires and asks, so unable to be worthy of Him on my own. That's the thing that really shows us something special to us about Jesus. His unfathomable love, mercy and grace. In my weaknesses, His strength is shown. In my struggles, He secures victory for me. In my worthlessness to be worthy of Him, He writes my name in the book of life.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Matthew 9:9-10
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with Him and His disciples.
Another selection about following. Matthew just got up and followed. No excuses, no arguments. But another thing that got my attention is what happened later. Not only did Matthew just get up and follow. But then Matthew included his circle of influence in that choice. Jesus came to Matthew's house and ate with other tax collectors and "sinners" Matthew knew. Matthew became the instrument, the avenue through which his circle of friends and co-workers were introduced to Jesus in a more personal and intimate way. Matthew's following became a bridge to reaching more lost. Not a wall that separated him from further "corrupting" influences. Is the way I follow building bridges that introduce Jesus to my circle of influence? Or have I too often erected barriers that insulate me from them and their meeting Jesus?
Another selection about following. Matthew just got up and followed. No excuses, no arguments. But another thing that got my attention is what happened later. Not only did Matthew just get up and follow. But then Matthew included his circle of influence in that choice. Jesus came to Matthew's house and ate with other tax collectors and "sinners" Matthew knew. Matthew became the instrument, the avenue through which his circle of friends and co-workers were introduced to Jesus in a more personal and intimate way. Matthew's following became a bridge to reaching more lost. Not a wall that separated him from further "corrupting" influences. Is the way I follow building bridges that introduce Jesus to my circle of influence? Or have I too often erected barriers that insulate me from them and their meeting Jesus?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Matthew 8:21-22
Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
These verses aren't about burying somebody at all. They are about following Jesus. Not when it works into my schedule. Not when it runs parallel to my plan. Not when it doesn't interfere with what I want to do. The following is on His terms, His schedule, His plan, His agenda.
Funny, the past several days I've been thinking a lot more about heaven, growing in my longing to be there and freed from the filth and tug of the sin of this world. When I was young, (not that I'm very old now), I had many thoughts along the lines of hoping Jesus doesn't come back until after several life envents for me, getting married, owning my own house, travel to certain places. having children, seeing my children become mature adults, having grandchildren, a leasurily, early retirement. A whole list of things on my agenda. Or sometimes there are other "If..., then I'll follow." deals we want to make. If I get a raise, then I'll tithe. When the kids' sports season is over, then I'll have time for devotions.
What's been my excuse when Jesus asks me to follow Him? What's yours? Is there any such thing as a "valid excuse" to not follow Jesus? I don't think so. I have to constantly be on my guard. So when He says follow, I don't say, "Lord, first let me..." To follow Jesus means there are no "first let me..." things that encumber my obedience. There just needs to be a simple yes. I haven't mastered following yet. But that is what I pray and strive for.
But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
These verses aren't about burying somebody at all. They are about following Jesus. Not when it works into my schedule. Not when it runs parallel to my plan. Not when it doesn't interfere with what I want to do. The following is on His terms, His schedule, His plan, His agenda.
Funny, the past several days I've been thinking a lot more about heaven, growing in my longing to be there and freed from the filth and tug of the sin of this world. When I was young, (not that I'm very old now), I had many thoughts along the lines of hoping Jesus doesn't come back until after several life envents for me, getting married, owning my own house, travel to certain places. having children, seeing my children become mature adults, having grandchildren, a leasurily, early retirement. A whole list of things on my agenda. Or sometimes there are other "If..., then I'll follow." deals we want to make. If I get a raise, then I'll tithe. When the kids' sports season is over, then I'll have time for devotions.
What's been my excuse when Jesus asks me to follow Him? What's yours? Is there any such thing as a "valid excuse" to not follow Jesus? I don't think so. I have to constantly be on my guard. So when He says follow, I don't say, "Lord, first let me..." To follow Jesus means there are no "first let me..." things that encumber my obedience. There just needs to be a simple yes. I haven't mastered following yet. But that is what I pray and strive for.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Genesis 22:10
Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
One day as a test God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. So early the next morning Abraham got up and prepared for this endevor, cut all the wood he would need, packed up the donkey, took the all the supplies for those on the trip, traveled for three days to get to the place this was to happen, build the alter, arranged the wood, bound Isaac, placed his son on the alter, then took the knife in his hand. Nowhere in this story is there ever any hint of second thoughts by Abraham, no arguing with God, no pleading for God to change His mind. Strange, the contrast of this silence when told to scarifice his own promised son when a few chapters back this same man is dickering with God about the destruction of Sodom if there were but 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, or 10 righteous men found there.
There's no doubt I've been more influenced by the world than I care to admit, seeing many things in shades of gray rather than in bold black and white. If it were me I'd probably be thinking wasn't cutting enough wood proof enough for God of my obedience? Or how about loading everything up and setting off on the journey? Surely traveling for three days proves my willingness, right? But with obedience there are no half-hearted measures. It's either full bore right to the very end or it isn't obedience at all. Where am I stopping short in my obedience rather than going all the way, even to the point of raising the knife?
But this story is also about God's faithfulness and "faith-worthy-ness" when we do obey. Even as Abraham and Isaac were trekking up the mountain with no idea how this would turn out, Abraham told Isaac, "The Lord will provide." when asked where was the sacrifical lamb. Abraham wasn't looking for a way out of obeying God. He just had faith in God. Do I have faith enough to just say God will provide, period, no ifs ands or buts?
One day as a test God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. So early the next morning Abraham got up and prepared for this endevor, cut all the wood he would need, packed up the donkey, took the all the supplies for those on the trip, traveled for three days to get to the place this was to happen, build the alter, arranged the wood, bound Isaac, placed his son on the alter, then took the knife in his hand. Nowhere in this story is there ever any hint of second thoughts by Abraham, no arguing with God, no pleading for God to change His mind. Strange, the contrast of this silence when told to scarifice his own promised son when a few chapters back this same man is dickering with God about the destruction of Sodom if there were but 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, or 10 righteous men found there.
There's no doubt I've been more influenced by the world than I care to admit, seeing many things in shades of gray rather than in bold black and white. If it were me I'd probably be thinking wasn't cutting enough wood proof enough for God of my obedience? Or how about loading everything up and setting off on the journey? Surely traveling for three days proves my willingness, right? But with obedience there are no half-hearted measures. It's either full bore right to the very end or it isn't obedience at all. Where am I stopping short in my obedience rather than going all the way, even to the point of raising the knife?
But this story is also about God's faithfulness and "faith-worthy-ness" when we do obey. Even as Abraham and Isaac were trekking up the mountain with no idea how this would turn out, Abraham told Isaac, "The Lord will provide." when asked where was the sacrifical lamb. Abraham wasn't looking for a way out of obeying God. He just had faith in God. Do I have faith enough to just say God will provide, period, no ifs ands or buts?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Matthew 6:4, 6, 18
...so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you...
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...
...so that it will not be obvious to men 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.
The first thing I notice is a triad of triads here. The first is three areas of relationship: Giving is my relationship to others. Praying is my relationship to God. Fasting is relationship to myself, own body and desires. Another triad could be my mind (having a generous attitude of giving), my body (fasting, bringing my physical comfort into proper perspective), and my soul (praying to keep strong and healthy spiritually).
A third triad points to three areas that could be indicators of where my loyalty lies and the kingdom for which I am really living? Do I lift up with open hands in generosity all the material blessings I have or do I hold on to them tightly? Do I spend my time in fellowship and communication to grow my relationship with my Heavenly Father or fritter away my time in meaningless pursuits with no eternal value? Do I deny myself, take up my cross and follow, making my life truly a living sacrifice or am I so self-centered I am not even willing to endure a little suffering or discomfort for the One who paid it all for me? Tough questions I need to always be asking in order to keep me focused.
The next thing I noticed is all three of these things, giving, praying and fasting, are to be done in secret. They aren't for show. They aren't to draw praise and attention to one's self from others. (A tangential question: So should I only give cash in the offering so nobody will know what I'm giving?) These are deeply personal and private spiritual exercises between me and my Father. Keeping these practices private and unknown to others helps to sift through the motives for doing them. I am to do them with the pure motive of obeying and pleasing my Father and to strengthen my faith.
A strong, vibrant open and growing relationship with God through obedience in these and other areas is its own reward. Is that the reward according to these verses I will receive for these practices? Or will there be rewards in addition to this? I continue to strive for and desire that my heart will be such that knowing God more fully will be the only reward I care about. Because in reality, nothing else even matters.
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...
...so that it will not be obvious to men 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.
The first thing I notice is a triad of triads here. The first is three areas of relationship: Giving is my relationship to others. Praying is my relationship to God. Fasting is relationship to myself, own body and desires. Another triad could be my mind (having a generous attitude of giving), my body (fasting, bringing my physical comfort into proper perspective), and my soul (praying to keep strong and healthy spiritually).
A third triad points to three areas that could be indicators of where my loyalty lies and the kingdom for which I am really living? Do I lift up with open hands in generosity all the material blessings I have or do I hold on to them tightly? Do I spend my time in fellowship and communication to grow my relationship with my Heavenly Father or fritter away my time in meaningless pursuits with no eternal value? Do I deny myself, take up my cross and follow, making my life truly a living sacrifice or am I so self-centered I am not even willing to endure a little suffering or discomfort for the One who paid it all for me? Tough questions I need to always be asking in order to keep me focused.
The next thing I noticed is all three of these things, giving, praying and fasting, are to be done in secret. They aren't for show. They aren't to draw praise and attention to one's self from others. (A tangential question: So should I only give cash in the offering so nobody will know what I'm giving?) These are deeply personal and private spiritual exercises between me and my Father. Keeping these practices private and unknown to others helps to sift through the motives for doing them. I am to do them with the pure motive of obeying and pleasing my Father and to strengthen my faith.
A strong, vibrant open and growing relationship with God through obedience in these and other areas is its own reward. Is that the reward according to these verses I will receive for these practices? Or will there be rewards in addition to this? I continue to strive for and desire that my heart will be such that knowing God more fully will be the only reward I care about. Because in reality, nothing else even matters.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Matthew 5:1-12
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,and he began to teach them saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
I just hate it when there's no clearly defined objective or expectation or goal, especially at work. Jesus is spelling out just what His disciples need to be like, the kind of attitudes they need to advance through the ranks, what is required for them to "bonus" in the incentive program. the performance expectations that will be discussed at their annual reviews. But this soooo anti-"the way the real world operates" list is going a bit overboard, don't you think? Real go-getters show no mercy. The meek never get ahead and just get lost in the shuffle. Peacemakers just get used as pawns by those who really want to trounce their enemy. Right?
The trouble is, what I tend to think of as the "real" world, really isn't. Sure it is the way of this fallen world I live in. But Jesus came to restore the world, not co opt it's ways for use in setting up just another alternative way of life. The Jesus Way is a complete contrast to the worldly way. And I, as His follower am to live in this world as mere ambassadors from His kingdom to it, not a full citizen of it. My standard of conduct and attitude isn't what will these people think and am I succeeding by the world's measurement. It needs to be what does my King think and am I representing Him well. If there is no drastic and marked difference, if I'm not poor in spirit, pure in heart, meek, peacemaking, merciful and hungry for righteousness, not only am I deprived of blessing but I also may deprive those I come in contact with of seeing the only hope for this world, Jesus.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
I just hate it when there's no clearly defined objective or expectation or goal, especially at work. Jesus is spelling out just what His disciples need to be like, the kind of attitudes they need to advance through the ranks, what is required for them to "bonus" in the incentive program. the performance expectations that will be discussed at their annual reviews. But this soooo anti-"the way the real world operates" list is going a bit overboard, don't you think? Real go-getters show no mercy. The meek never get ahead and just get lost in the shuffle. Peacemakers just get used as pawns by those who really want to trounce their enemy. Right?
The trouble is, what I tend to think of as the "real" world, really isn't. Sure it is the way of this fallen world I live in. But Jesus came to restore the world, not co opt it's ways for use in setting up just another alternative way of life. The Jesus Way is a complete contrast to the worldly way. And I, as His follower am to live in this world as mere ambassadors from His kingdom to it, not a full citizen of it. My standard of conduct and attitude isn't what will these people think and am I succeeding by the world's measurement. It needs to be what does my King think and am I representing Him well. If there is no drastic and marked difference, if I'm not poor in spirit, pure in heart, meek, peacemaking, merciful and hungry for righteousness, not only am I deprived of blessing but I also may deprive those I come in contact with of seeing the only hope for this world, Jesus.
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