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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Genesis 13:17
Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.
God had just told Abram to look all around. north, south east and west. God promised all the land he could see would be his and that of his offspring. Then God tells Abram to check it out, walk through it from end to end and side to side. Take it all in and see the magnitude of what God had in store for him.
I can't say that God has audibly spoken a huge promise like this one to me about what may be ahead for my life. But what this verse says to me right now is that I need to look around at all the promises He has already kept, at all the blessings He has poured into my life. It is always a good thing to walk through the length and breadth of all God has done in my life. Hasn't He always been faithful even in my darkest hours? Isn't the thread of His workings woven throughout the fabric of my life? The answer is obviously a resounding yes. By walking through the "land" He has already given to me I see the magnitude of His greatness and the extent to which He will go to show His love for me. My response should be just like Abram's. Go, pitch a tent, build an alter.
So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.
God had just told Abram to look all around. north, south east and west. God promised all the land he could see would be his and that of his offspring. Then God tells Abram to check it out, walk through it from end to end and side to side. Take it all in and see the magnitude of what God had in store for him.
I can't say that God has audibly spoken a huge promise like this one to me about what may be ahead for my life. But what this verse says to me right now is that I need to look around at all the promises He has already kept, at all the blessings He has poured into my life. It is always a good thing to walk through the length and breadth of all God has done in my life. Hasn't He always been faithful even in my darkest hours? Isn't the thread of His workings woven throughout the fabric of my life? The answer is obviously a resounding yes. By walking through the "land" He has already given to me I see the magnitude of His greatness and the extent to which He will go to show His love for me. My response should be just like Abram's. Go, pitch a tent, build an alter.
So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Genesis 12:16-17
He (Pharaoh) treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels. But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram's wife Sarai.
Let me get this straight. Abram, through who all the peoples on the earth will be blessed lies to Pharaoh and tells him Sarai is his sister. Pharaoh, thinking she is free for the taking because of Abram's deceit, takes Sarai as his wife. Abram greatly benefits from this lie and Pharaoh has diseases inflicting on him and his household because of all this. Pharaoh obviously treated Abram well, blessing him and not cursing him, so why wasn't he blessed and became diseased instead? Did God get this one wrong? Is the wrong party here being punished?
What's the lesson here? That God condones deception as a means of blessing those He has chosen? That actions taken when relying upon words spoken by a person of God's choosing are not to be trusted? That lies aren't any big deal to God, or at least weren't yet because the 10 Commandment hadn't been given yet?
This is one of those stories that really doesn't make complete sense to me. Abram hatches this plot to protect himself and sort of protect Sarai. If he really believed God's promise and trusted Him, shouldn't Abram have been severely dealt with for his lack of faith and for taking matters into his own hands by means of deception? Is what I've had drilled into me through my Christian upbringing been wrong? That holding firm to my faith through the tough times, making the right choices may bring about suffering for a season but will build my faith in the long term? That God's grace is not a license to sin? That God may quickly remove His hand of blessing when I transgress because He is a just and holy God who does not reward sin?
As a parent I often seem to make decisions that seem inconsistent or unfair to my children. I'll come down heavy handedly on one kid and seemingly ignore the same infraction by another. A child will seem to get a more severe punishment by reacting to a wrong by another child while the initial instigator of the incident appears to get off with no discipline. When filtered through their experience, level of maturity and understanding, many of my parenting decisions don't seem to make much sense. But one thing they do know is I love them very much and want what is best for them.
Granted, I am extremely imperfect and flawed. But God is not. He is perfect in every way. And His ways are far exceeding anything I can comprehend or understand. But, without a doubt, I know He loves me and desires my best. I can question things when they don't make sense. But the bottom line is He is God and knows what He is doing even when I don't.
Let me get this straight. Abram, through who all the peoples on the earth will be blessed lies to Pharaoh and tells him Sarai is his sister. Pharaoh, thinking she is free for the taking because of Abram's deceit, takes Sarai as his wife. Abram greatly benefits from this lie and Pharaoh has diseases inflicting on him and his household because of all this. Pharaoh obviously treated Abram well, blessing him and not cursing him, so why wasn't he blessed and became diseased instead? Did God get this one wrong? Is the wrong party here being punished?
What's the lesson here? That God condones deception as a means of blessing those He has chosen? That actions taken when relying upon words spoken by a person of God's choosing are not to be trusted? That lies aren't any big deal to God, or at least weren't yet because the 10 Commandment hadn't been given yet?
This is one of those stories that really doesn't make complete sense to me. Abram hatches this plot to protect himself and sort of protect Sarai. If he really believed God's promise and trusted Him, shouldn't Abram have been severely dealt with for his lack of faith and for taking matters into his own hands by means of deception? Is what I've had drilled into me through my Christian upbringing been wrong? That holding firm to my faith through the tough times, making the right choices may bring about suffering for a season but will build my faith in the long term? That God's grace is not a license to sin? That God may quickly remove His hand of blessing when I transgress because He is a just and holy God who does not reward sin?
As a parent I often seem to make decisions that seem inconsistent or unfair to my children. I'll come down heavy handedly on one kid and seemingly ignore the same infraction by another. A child will seem to get a more severe punishment by reacting to a wrong by another child while the initial instigator of the incident appears to get off with no discipline. When filtered through their experience, level of maturity and understanding, many of my parenting decisions don't seem to make much sense. But one thing they do know is I love them very much and want what is best for them.
Granted, I am extremely imperfect and flawed. But God is not. He is perfect in every way. And His ways are far exceeding anything I can comprehend or understand. But, without a doubt, I know He loves me and desires my best. I can question things when they don't make sense. But the bottom line is He is God and knows what He is doing even when I don't.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
Cain was angry because his offering, unlike his brother's, was not looked upon with favor by the Lord. Was this because Cain's offering was comprised of fruits of the soil rather than of animals? I don't think so. In the translation I read of this chapter, verses three and four say that Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil, where Abel brought fat portions and some of the firstborn of his flock.
Though unstated in this passage, I have to believe that both Cain and Abel were taught what is acceptable as an offering to God. Cain had to know the high standard required otherwise this would probably be an instructional verse as to what is right rather than one about doing what is right.
When I bring an offering, whether monetery or otherwise, when I give of my time, talent or resources, are they acceptable and looked upon with favor? Or am I caving to the sin crouching at my door? My attitude and posture when it comes to my various offerings are a clear indication of who, or what, rules over me.
Cain was angry because his offering, unlike his brother's, was not looked upon with favor by the Lord. Was this because Cain's offering was comprised of fruits of the soil rather than of animals? I don't think so. In the translation I read of this chapter, verses three and four say that Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil, where Abel brought fat portions and some of the firstborn of his flock.
Though unstated in this passage, I have to believe that both Cain and Abel were taught what is acceptable as an offering to God. Cain had to know the high standard required otherwise this would probably be an instructional verse as to what is right rather than one about doing what is right.
When I bring an offering, whether monetery or otherwise, when I give of my time, talent or resources, are they acceptable and looked upon with favor? Or am I caving to the sin crouching at my door? My attitude and posture when it comes to my various offerings are a clear indication of who, or what, rules over me.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Genesis 3:22-23
Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”-- therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.
Adam and Eve had access, even permission, to eat from the tree of life before they disobeyed and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. A few questions rattling around in my brain: If they never ate from either tree, would they have lived forever? Or only if they ate from the tree of life? Is the curse of death a direct result of the sin of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil or indirect since they were banished from the garden and therefore no longer had access to the tree of life? Is this "man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil" really a statement about knowledge or perhaps something else?
I'm kind of thinking perhaps when man chooses to determine for himself what is good or evil rather than yielding in obedience to the Creator, God, he is setting himself up as his own god. It is in this way that he becomes like the "one of Us" to which God refers. It's clearly visible in our society today how "individualized" good and evil have become. Each person has their own standard of what is right and fair and good for themself. And they often judge others by yet another standard the serves only to elevate themself.
I need to ever be on my guard for that mindset that gets me thinking I can determine what is good or evil for me based on a current situation or my own interests. My anchor for truth, my source for discernment, my reference point for good and evil always must be God and his Word and His Spirit and not something completely inside myself. I have put out my hand and taken from the tree of life. That tree is a rugged cross and it's fruit is the the battered body and poured out blood of Jesus.
Adam and Eve had access, even permission, to eat from the tree of life before they disobeyed and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. A few questions rattling around in my brain: If they never ate from either tree, would they have lived forever? Or only if they ate from the tree of life? Is the curse of death a direct result of the sin of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil or indirect since they were banished from the garden and therefore no longer had access to the tree of life? Is this "man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil" really a statement about knowledge or perhaps something else?
I'm kind of thinking perhaps when man chooses to determine for himself what is good or evil rather than yielding in obedience to the Creator, God, he is setting himself up as his own god. It is in this way that he becomes like the "one of Us" to which God refers. It's clearly visible in our society today how "individualized" good and evil have become. Each person has their own standard of what is right and fair and good for themself. And they often judge others by yet another standard the serves only to elevate themself.
I need to ever be on my guard for that mindset that gets me thinking I can determine what is good or evil for me based on a current situation or my own interests. My anchor for truth, my source for discernment, my reference point for good and evil always must be God and his Word and His Spirit and not something completely inside myself. I have put out my hand and taken from the tree of life. That tree is a rugged cross and it's fruit is the the battered body and poured out blood of Jesus.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
John 6
Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii (eight months' wages) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” John 6:5-7
Knowing what He was going to do anyway, Jesus asked Philip a question to "test" him. Hmmmmm. More questions than answers here. Why even ask? Didn't Jesus also know what Philip's answer would be as well? Do you think Philip passed or failed the test? If Philip's faith, as it seems to me here, was so lacking in regards to what Jesus could do in this "impossible" situation, is my lack of faith in the impossible situations I encounter also something that will not hinder Jesus from doing miracles? Was the miracle done in spite of Philip's lack of faith or in order that Philip's faith (as well as others') would become more solid? Does faith even factor into the equation of miracles? How often does Jesus "test" me? Every day? Is every choice a test?
Another thought I extracted as I read this. What if the people were reversed here and Philip was asking Jesus how to deal with this crisis? After all, wasn't Jesus the leader of this band? Often when in a tough situation, it seems to be my natural bent (any probably that of many others) to "ask" Jesus what I should do while already knowing what I am planning on doing. Gee that's got to frustrate Him. It should also throw up a huge red flag inside myself that tells me if I already know what I'm going to do before I even talk it over with Jesus, then I need to examine who is really on the throne in my life because there clearly is more I need to yield to His control.
Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii (eight months' wages) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” John 6:5-7
Knowing what He was going to do anyway, Jesus asked Philip a question to "test" him. Hmmmmm. More questions than answers here. Why even ask? Didn't Jesus also know what Philip's answer would be as well? Do you think Philip passed or failed the test? If Philip's faith, as it seems to me here, was so lacking in regards to what Jesus could do in this "impossible" situation, is my lack of faith in the impossible situations I encounter also something that will not hinder Jesus from doing miracles? Was the miracle done in spite of Philip's lack of faith or in order that Philip's faith (as well as others') would become more solid? Does faith even factor into the equation of miracles? How often does Jesus "test" me? Every day? Is every choice a test?
Another thought I extracted as I read this. What if the people were reversed here and Philip was asking Jesus how to deal with this crisis? After all, wasn't Jesus the leader of this band? Often when in a tough situation, it seems to be my natural bent (any probably that of many others) to "ask" Jesus what I should do while already knowing what I am planning on doing. Gee that's got to frustrate Him. It should also throw up a huge red flag inside myself that tells me if I already know what I'm going to do before I even talk it over with Jesus, then I need to examine who is really on the throne in my life because there clearly is more I need to yield to His control.
Monday, February 15, 2010
John 5
"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgement to the Son...
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life...
..."As I hear, I judge; and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." John 5:22, 24, 30
In order for there to be such a thing as judgement, there must be a standard, something to be measured against. The ultimate standard is to do God's will. "Do not eat from this tree." The first standard, law, command that, once broken, lead humaniity down the path of choosing our own will over that of God. Then came the Law. But the Law couldn't save us. It could only serve to show us in a more tangible way how we do not measure up to the standard God has for us. The Law was co-opted by the religious leaders and turned into merely a bunch of external rules to be kept unto itself to prove by their unrighteous judgement a man's "holiness" rather than as an instrument for discerning what is God's will for how we should live our lives. Was God's will really that a person not carry any furniture or that nobody be healed on a Sabbath? Did walking further than the laws perscribed, as interpreted by the religious leaders, accurately reflect how inclined towards God a man's heart was?
Jesus, fully God, fully man. His judgement is righteous because as God, He knows what the Father's will is and as man, He lived it out perfectly. Who better to be a judge, knowing both the standard of God and the temptations of sin that pull at the flesh. But He didn't just live out the perfect life and turn around and say to us, "See, it can be done so now you do it." He offered up His perfect, sinless life for mine full of disgusting, twisted, evil, currupt, sinful, rebelious, darkness. My sin on Him as he hangs on the cross and while His righteousness covers me. All any of us need to do is hear His words and believe. He's really getting a raw deal if you ask me. Look at Him on the Cross. Stare. Don't avert your eyes. Take a good, long look.....
So, so unworthy of His mercy and love. So very deserving of His judgement and condemnation. I am completely unable to fully grasp it. In my pitiful state I find it impossible to accept... nearly.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life...
..."As I hear, I judge; and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." John 5:22, 24, 30
In order for there to be such a thing as judgement, there must be a standard, something to be measured against. The ultimate standard is to do God's will. "Do not eat from this tree." The first standard, law, command that, once broken, lead humaniity down the path of choosing our own will over that of God. Then came the Law. But the Law couldn't save us. It could only serve to show us in a more tangible way how we do not measure up to the standard God has for us. The Law was co-opted by the religious leaders and turned into merely a bunch of external rules to be kept unto itself to prove by their unrighteous judgement a man's "holiness" rather than as an instrument for discerning what is God's will for how we should live our lives. Was God's will really that a person not carry any furniture or that nobody be healed on a Sabbath? Did walking further than the laws perscribed, as interpreted by the religious leaders, accurately reflect how inclined towards God a man's heart was?
Jesus, fully God, fully man. His judgement is righteous because as God, He knows what the Father's will is and as man, He lived it out perfectly. Who better to be a judge, knowing both the standard of God and the temptations of sin that pull at the flesh. But He didn't just live out the perfect life and turn around and say to us, "See, it can be done so now you do it." He offered up His perfect, sinless life for mine full of disgusting, twisted, evil, currupt, sinful, rebelious, darkness. My sin on Him as he hangs on the cross and while His righteousness covers me. All any of us need to do is hear His words and believe. He's really getting a raw deal if you ask me. Look at Him on the Cross. Stare. Don't avert your eyes. Take a good, long look.....
So, so unworthy of His mercy and love. So very deserving of His judgement and condemnation. I am completely unable to fully grasp it. In my pitiful state I find it impossible to accept... nearly.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2
Colossians 2: 20
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules?
I'm pretty sure this speaks to the man-made rules the religious leaders imposed. It's so very easy to keep up apperances by doing and saying all the right things or by not doing the wrong things. But these rules are completely meaningless. They only benefit those who wish to judge righteousness based on the external. It's all pride based and self promotion.
It's not that God gives us a moving, elusive target and that there are no rules. But unlike the "basic principles of this world" by which men judge, God looks upon the heart. Is how I live my life an outflow of loving and serving God and loving and serving others? Am I immitating the culture around me or Christ?
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules?
I'm pretty sure this speaks to the man-made rules the religious leaders imposed. It's so very easy to keep up apperances by doing and saying all the right things or by not doing the wrong things. But these rules are completely meaningless. They only benefit those who wish to judge righteousness based on the external. It's all pride based and self promotion.
It's not that God gives us a moving, elusive target and that there are no rules. But unlike the "basic principles of this world" by which men judge, God looks upon the heart. Is how I live my life an outflow of loving and serving God and loving and serving others? Am I immitating the culture around me or Christ?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Ecclesiates 10-12; Psalm 94, Ephesians 5
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Eccleiastes 21:13-14
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
SO simple to read, so hard to live.
Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Eccleiastes 21:13-14
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
SO simple to read, so hard to live.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4
Ecclesiastes 7:1-2
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
Obviously I don't remember the day of my birth. But having seen my four children born, I know the joyfulness felt on those days. Somehow I don't sense that the day of my death or of anyone close to me will seem like a better day. Except....
As a believer in Jesus, death is the not the end of me. It becomes the day when my hope in Christ is realized. Any possessions, any fortune, any fame and power I had are meaningless. The kind of car I drove, the number of weeds in my lawn, my social status don't matter. At death, which we all will face, every one of us faces either an eternity in the presence of God or apart from God based on what we did with Jesus between those bookends of birth and death.
With complete confidence I can say my day of death will be much better than my day of birth. By far it will be better than any day in between either. I really wonder how many people I know who are unable to say the same.
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
Obviously I don't remember the day of my birth. But having seen my four children born, I know the joyfulness felt on those days. Somehow I don't sense that the day of my death or of anyone close to me will seem like a better day. Except....
As a believer in Jesus, death is the not the end of me. It becomes the day when my hope in Christ is realized. Any possessions, any fortune, any fame and power I had are meaningless. The kind of car I drove, the number of weeds in my lawn, my social status don't matter. At death, which we all will face, every one of us faces either an eternity in the presence of God or apart from God based on what we did with Jesus between those bookends of birth and death.
With complete confidence I can say my day of death will be much better than my day of birth. By far it will be better than any day in between either. I really wonder how many people I know who are unable to say the same.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Proverbs 30-31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1
Psalm 33:18-19
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
This entire Psalm is a great one to read in these times of economic uncertainty and cultural decay. The bottom line is God is in control. Kings and nations and every person can make their own plan or think they are able to control circumstances. But God spoke and the universe was created. He is right and true and faithful in all He does. And if our trust is in Him rather than ourselves nothing else matters.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
This entire Psalm is a great one to read in these times of economic uncertainty and cultural decay. The bottom line is God is in control. Kings and nations and every person can make their own plan or think they are able to control circumstances. But God spoke and the universe was created. He is right and true and faithful in all He does. And if our trust is in Him rather than ourselves nothing else matters.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Provrebs 28-29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
Romans 16:21-22
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives,
I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Hmmmm. Just how did Mr. Tertius happen to insert his own little greeting in this letter? Did Paul invite him to add a few words? Was he just caught up in the moment and wanted to throw in his own hello? Was it just Tertius feeling a great connection to other believers through what Paul had previously dictated so that he felt compelled to greet them in the Lord along with Paul? I've never been aware of my hearing a sermon where the pastor included comments his secretary typed in the middle of his notes. This is just a curious thing to me.
But, since it's in there, I've got to believe it is as inspired as the rest of Scripture. Is is to show us that even though Paul was the "face" of the ministry, there were many behind the scenes helping to make things happen? Was it just to be an example of Paul being gracious to those helping him, a reward for Tertuis' hard work of transcription? Is it to serve as a simple example of the interconnectedness of the global body? I'm not sure I'll ever need to know the real meaning for this. Maybe it's just to show that sometimes when a person is prompted to speak encouragement they need to forget about convention and just go for it.
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives,
I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Hmmmm. Just how did Mr. Tertius happen to insert his own little greeting in this letter? Did Paul invite him to add a few words? Was he just caught up in the moment and wanted to throw in his own hello? Was it just Tertius feeling a great connection to other believers through what Paul had previously dictated so that he felt compelled to greet them in the Lord along with Paul? I've never been aware of my hearing a sermon where the pastor included comments his secretary typed in the middle of his notes. This is just a curious thing to me.
But, since it's in there, I've got to believe it is as inspired as the rest of Scripture. Is is to show us that even though Paul was the "face" of the ministry, there were many behind the scenes helping to make things happen? Was it just to be an example of Paul being gracious to those helping him, a reward for Tertuis' hard work of transcription? Is it to serve as a simple example of the interconnectedness of the global body? I'm not sure I'll ever need to know the real meaning for this. Maybe it's just to show that sometimes when a person is prompted to speak encouragement they need to forget about convention and just go for it.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Proverbs 25-27, Romans 15
Romans 15:14-15a
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again.
Proverbs 27
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Proverbs 27
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
Good old Paul with a pat on the back and a slap up side the head at the same time for the Christians in Rome. Not too different than, say, the pastor of my church. We collectively, and I myself have lots of knowledge and competence. But I am always in need of some bold, in-my-face "reminding" of just what I should be doing and how I should be living. How loving would it really be for somebody to stay silent and not rebuke a brother when they veer off the right path?
Unfortunately is seems in our culture that rebuke, trying to "sharpen" somebody else or words of correction are taken as an insult. We throw up walls of defense around us, the individual. We pay lip service to the concept of "body" but don't really understand how to reconcile that with the American concepts of individualism and pioneer spirit that have evolved.
I know we cannot be certain of the motives of others. But just imagine this. What if each of us resolved to always assume a brother or sister really had our best interest as well as the best interest of the body of Christ in mind when they approached us to address a concern about something they have seen in our life. If we both agree that the goal is to follow Christ and obey God's Word how could I not desire you to examine my life.
This also frees us from the fear wrought by the shackles of ego and pride. At the foot of the cross there are no secret things of which Christ died to cleanse me. If the only One who knows all my failings yet still loved and forgave me, then what do I have to fear from men who want to see me live in the fullness of all that life in Christ offers. We are also complete equals, not me measuring your life by my own or you measuring mine by yours. We look at the template in the Bible and try to conform to that. Sure there will be points where we disagree about what some things mean and how that is lived out. But if we are all looking at Christ we stand shoulder to shoulder in unity instead of eyeball to eyeball in conflict.
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again.
Proverbs 27
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Proverbs 27
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
Good old Paul with a pat on the back and a slap up side the head at the same time for the Christians in Rome. Not too different than, say, the pastor of my church. We collectively, and I myself have lots of knowledge and competence. But I am always in need of some bold, in-my-face "reminding" of just what I should be doing and how I should be living. How loving would it really be for somebody to stay silent and not rebuke a brother when they veer off the right path?
Unfortunately is seems in our culture that rebuke, trying to "sharpen" somebody else or words of correction are taken as an insult. We throw up walls of defense around us, the individual. We pay lip service to the concept of "body" but don't really understand how to reconcile that with the American concepts of individualism and pioneer spirit that have evolved.
I know we cannot be certain of the motives of others. But just imagine this. What if each of us resolved to always assume a brother or sister really had our best interest as well as the best interest of the body of Christ in mind when they approached us to address a concern about something they have seen in our life. If we both agree that the goal is to follow Christ and obey God's Word how could I not desire you to examine my life.
This also frees us from the fear wrought by the shackles of ego and pride. At the foot of the cross there are no secret things of which Christ died to cleanse me. If the only One who knows all my failings yet still loved and forgave me, then what do I have to fear from men who want to see me live in the fullness of all that life in Christ offers. We are also complete equals, not me measuring your life by my own or you measuring mine by yours. We look at the template in the Bible and try to conform to that. Sure there will be points where we disagree about what some things mean and how that is lived out. But if we are all looking at Christ we stand shoulder to shoulder in unity instead of eyeball to eyeball in conflict.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A Blogging Intermission
Sorry, but I've decided to suspend blogging my journal for an indefinite period. I'm hoping to return to it in some form after a brief break. As Pastor says, read you Bible every day, love everybody and try not to sin.
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