It must have been a weird experience for the disciples. Jesus takes His 12, gives them incredible power and sends them out two by two. He tells them to take nothing with them and go from town to town preaching the Good News. Can't imagine the conversation between each set of two along the way. At this point they really hadn't had a lot of training. The only one apparently who had had much formal education was Judas. Yet Jesus sent them off.
What a faith building experience for the disciples. No cell phone. No internet. No GPS device. No credit or debit cards. Not a lot of cash. No car. No reservations. No contacts. I'm sure the first town they hit they must have felt a little awkward. I wonder if maybe they started with a little miracle first, you know just trying to get the hang of it. Maybe they tried out a few prayer combo's first. I wonder how long it took them before they tried the big miracle or casting out their first demon.
I'm sure that the greater success they had, the bolder their preaching and miracle performance got. My guess is the local cafe was buzzing a few days after they came to town. After a few miracles, they probably didn't have to worry about a place to stay or where they were going to get their next hot meal. Oh sure, I bet they had their detractors, after all Jesus warned them that they would. But I would also bet the local paper gave them plenty of positive press.
When Jesus sent the 12 out, it wasn't initially so much to get the word out as it was to prepare the 12 and build their faith. They needed to experience this. They needed to gain a little confidence. It wasn't long before their timidness gave way to boldness and excitement as they witnessed God's power at work through them. He taught them not to rely on their own power or plans, but to look to God's power, direction and teaching.
Throughout the Bible God calls for leaps of faith. He gives assignments of great importance and gives His messenger little resources in their hands. But it's always enough. Sometimes it's only a staff. Sometimes it's only a few stones and a sling. Sometimes it's a handful of men with trumpets and lanterns to defeat a vast army. Sometimes it's only the ability to interpret dreams. It's about faith.
Answering God's call with no resources is a scary place to be. We like everything figured out, planned out, resources in hand before we ever start. We have to see it on paper and have proof that it's gonna work before we start or we won't start. But that's not faith, that's sight. Living by faith means taking a risk. It's means placing ourselves in a vulnerable position, letting go of what we know and putting ourselves in God's hands.
God, I confess, the older I get, the more I want assurances. Taking risks gets harder and harder. Living by faith doesn't get any easier. I want to follow you. Show me your power. Grant me success as I exercise faith in following your lead for my life and ministry.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 9:1-17(My Nights Bar Hopping)
It has always bugged that churches think they exist to simply serve themselves. It has also bugged me that Christians often isolate themselves from people who really need to hear the Good News of Christ. Instead of building bridge relationships, they seal themselves off from the pagans. It's one thing not to hang out with savory characters who influence you to participate in ungodly activities. It's another thing to build bridge relationships with people in order to tell them and show them how much God loves them.
A lot of people I've met in my life who have not yet accepted Christ, don't think they'd ever be accepted by "church" people. Many people I've met can't see themselves hanging out with those same church people. Yet, those are the very people to whom Jesus went.
A few years ago, one of my associates and I went to a small group/cell church seminar led by Ralph Niebuhr. At the end of the first day he challenged us with the idea that we had no idea on how to reach unchurched people because we didn't know unchurched people really. So he divided us up in pairs with people we didn't come with and assigned each us a bar to attend that evening. We were to go visit the assigned local bar and sit and talk with some of the people there in an attempt to get to know them. We weren't allowed back to the seminar if we didn't bring proof that we were there and met someone. I'd never been to a bar, so it was a little awkward for me, as it was for ninety-nine percent of the attendees of the seminar.
But to be honest, once I was there I didn't feel out of place. I discovered that people were people. In fact, it was really easy for me to talk with people. We didn't "save" anyone those couple nights, but it helped me reacquaint myself with the mission of Christ. I fell in love with people once again, especially those who were without Christ. I found myself drawn to share, care, invest in pagan people. And I understood Jesus' disdain with the religious (or should I say pious) of His day.
Lord, help me to extend myself more and more to those who need your doctoring. Don't allow me to get so focused on "church" people that I forget the people Your Son came to redeem.
A lot of people I've met in my life who have not yet accepted Christ, don't think they'd ever be accepted by "church" people. Many people I've met can't see themselves hanging out with those same church people. Yet, those are the very people to whom Jesus went.
A few years ago, one of my associates and I went to a small group/cell church seminar led by Ralph Niebuhr. At the end of the first day he challenged us with the idea that we had no idea on how to reach unchurched people because we didn't know unchurched people really. So he divided us up in pairs with people we didn't come with and assigned each us a bar to attend that evening. We were to go visit the assigned local bar and sit and talk with some of the people there in an attempt to get to know them. We weren't allowed back to the seminar if we didn't bring proof that we were there and met someone. I'd never been to a bar, so it was a little awkward for me, as it was for ninety-nine percent of the attendees of the seminar.
But to be honest, once I was there I didn't feel out of place. I discovered that people were people. In fact, it was really easy for me to talk with people. We didn't "save" anyone those couple nights, but it helped me reacquaint myself with the mission of Christ. I fell in love with people once again, especially those who were without Christ. I found myself drawn to share, care, invest in pagan people. And I understood Jesus' disdain with the religious (or should I say pious) of His day.
Lord, help me to extend myself more and more to those who need your doctoring. Don't allow me to get so focused on "church" people that I forget the people Your Son came to redeem.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 8:18-34 (It's Worth the Cost)
What it is that keeps people from following Jesus or really surrendering their life to Him? Probably some of the same things that Jesus encountered when He was on the earth. Just looking through today's passage several things immediately pop up. But it's clear that following Jesus costs us something.
Most of us want to live life with the least amount of hassle and interference. We want to fit in with everyone else and not be bothered. We're jealous of our "free" time and "family" time. We want life to fit neatly into our little box. We want what we want, when we want it, how we want it. In these verses people are concerned about economics, homes, inheritance, and concept of extremism in following Jesus. Faith is an issue.
What I've discovered is that often people want what Jesus offers on their terms. If it doesn't interfere with their desired lifestyle, Jesus is great. As long as it helps get what they want out of life, they'll take him. But to jump headlong into following Jesus with everything, that's a different story. For many following Jesus requires abandoning their dreams in their minds.
It's true that following Jesus requires a life change. It means giving your life to Jesus to use however He wishes. But it's worth the trade off. Jesus said whoever wants to find life must lose it. He means that life in Jesus is a ride and a half. Not everything is easy. In fact, it's a narrow road that few can find. But growing in God's grace and knowledge is worth it. The rewards on the other end far outweigh the pleasures on this side.
God, when the disciples left everything to follow you, they had no idea what they would witness and experience. Sometimes it was tough and sometimes it was totally amazing. But by throwing in with Jesus, You used them to change a world and impact hundreds, thousands, millions and even billions of lives. God, I don't know what You'll do with my life, but I want in. I want to make a difference. I'm all in.
Most of us want to live life with the least amount of hassle and interference. We want to fit in with everyone else and not be bothered. We're jealous of our "free" time and "family" time. We want life to fit neatly into our little box. We want what we want, when we want it, how we want it. In these verses people are concerned about economics, homes, inheritance, and concept of extremism in following Jesus. Faith is an issue.
What I've discovered is that often people want what Jesus offers on their terms. If it doesn't interfere with their desired lifestyle, Jesus is great. As long as it helps get what they want out of life, they'll take him. But to jump headlong into following Jesus with everything, that's a different story. For many following Jesus requires abandoning their dreams in their minds.
It's true that following Jesus requires a life change. It means giving your life to Jesus to use however He wishes. But it's worth the trade off. Jesus said whoever wants to find life must lose it. He means that life in Jesus is a ride and a half. Not everything is easy. In fact, it's a narrow road that few can find. But growing in God's grace and knowledge is worth it. The rewards on the other end far outweigh the pleasures on this side.
God, when the disciples left everything to follow you, they had no idea what they would witness and experience. Sometimes it was tough and sometimes it was totally amazing. But by throwing in with Jesus, You used them to change a world and impact hundreds, thousands, millions and even billions of lives. God, I don't know what You'll do with my life, but I want in. I want to make a difference. I'm all in.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Daily Reflections on Gen. 24 (Choosing a Mate)
I was just doing the math. If Sarah gave birth to Isaac when she was ninety and she died when she one hundred twenty-seven, that would make Isaac at least thirty-seven when he married Rachel. And I thought I got married late at twenty-five. This was his first marriage. We don't know how many dates Isaac had or even if he had any girlfriends. We do know that Abraham wouldn't let his son marry a local girl.
The story of Isaac getting a wife is an interesting one. Abe sends his chief servant back to Abe's homeland to pick a wife for his son. He sends plenty of money and goodies as a dowry. Now the chief servant swore an oath that he'd get a quality girl from Abe's family background, from his father's family for Isaac. The chief servant wanted to take Isaac with him, but Abe wouldn't let him go. The chief servant goes to pick out a wife for Isaac and Isaac doesn't get a say so or even a look before it all goes down. At least on e-Harmony you can check out someone's profile. Not so in this case.
It's hard for us think about arranged marriages. It's not our custom these days. We date and romance and IM and chat and date some more, looking for our "Soul Mate." We spend tons of time and emotional energy searching for the right one. We put ourselves out there and then hope we won't get hurt. Maybe Abe and the chief servant had a better idea, let God choose.
The chief servant made the trip all the way back to Abe's homeland, which was the only criteria Abe set for his son's wife. When the chief servant got there he prayed a simple prayer, "God, I have no idea who to choose so help me out, please (Dave's paraphrase)." He laid out a simple identification plan and before he was done praying in his heart, God brought Rebekah to him. She met the qualifications, was outgoing and had an incredible servants heart.
The wild thing is that Rebekah said yes to marrying Isaac sight unseen. She'd never met Isaac or Abraham. She really didn't know what she was getting into. No dates. No IMing. No chats. No pictures. No romance. No nothing. The only thing she had was the assurance of God that this was the right thing to do.
Is it possible that we go about finding a life mate the wrong way? Instead of looking for someone on our own, wouldn't we do better to ask for God's assistance? Attraction to the opposite sex is a natural thing. God put it there. But, just like everything else in life, it seems to me that we have a tendency to pursue things without the consult of God's wisdom. Marriage was God's idea in the first place. Since He created us, it only makes sense that we should seek God's person for us in His timing.
God, thanks for the gift of marriage. Your wisdom is far beyond ours. You know our hearts, mind, make-up as well as the other person's. You know the plans you have for us and our potential spouse. Give us the patience and wisdom to seek your direction for us.
The story of Isaac getting a wife is an interesting one. Abe sends his chief servant back to Abe's homeland to pick a wife for his son. He sends plenty of money and goodies as a dowry. Now the chief servant swore an oath that he'd get a quality girl from Abe's family background, from his father's family for Isaac. The chief servant wanted to take Isaac with him, but Abe wouldn't let him go. The chief servant goes to pick out a wife for Isaac and Isaac doesn't get a say so or even a look before it all goes down. At least on e-Harmony you can check out someone's profile. Not so in this case.
It's hard for us think about arranged marriages. It's not our custom these days. We date and romance and IM and chat and date some more, looking for our "Soul Mate." We spend tons of time and emotional energy searching for the right one. We put ourselves out there and then hope we won't get hurt. Maybe Abe and the chief servant had a better idea, let God choose.
The chief servant made the trip all the way back to Abe's homeland, which was the only criteria Abe set for his son's wife. When the chief servant got there he prayed a simple prayer, "God, I have no idea who to choose so help me out, please (Dave's paraphrase)." He laid out a simple identification plan and before he was done praying in his heart, God brought Rebekah to him. She met the qualifications, was outgoing and had an incredible servants heart.
The wild thing is that Rebekah said yes to marrying Isaac sight unseen. She'd never met Isaac or Abraham. She really didn't know what she was getting into. No dates. No IMing. No chats. No pictures. No romance. No nothing. The only thing she had was the assurance of God that this was the right thing to do.
Is it possible that we go about finding a life mate the wrong way? Instead of looking for someone on our own, wouldn't we do better to ask for God's assistance? Attraction to the opposite sex is a natural thing. God put it there. But, just like everything else in life, it seems to me that we have a tendency to pursue things without the consult of God's wisdom. Marriage was God's idea in the first place. Since He created us, it only makes sense that we should seek God's person for us in His timing.
God, thanks for the gift of marriage. Your wisdom is far beyond ours. You know our hearts, mind, make-up as well as the other person's. You know the plans you have for us and our potential spouse. Give us the patience and wisdom to seek your direction for us.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Daily Reflections on Mt. 7:15-24; Prov. 2:16-22 (Chose Your Friends Wisely)
My dad taught me years ago to be careful about who I immediately embraced when moving to a new ministry. He counseled me that often the first persons who show up in your life and want to be your best friend, may not be the people you want to trust long term. I've found that advice to be pretty accurate. Often times the people that are eager to be your new found friend have their own agenda. And their agenda may not be to your best interest.
Jesus and Solomon both warn of seductive characters that could misdirect your path and get you into trouble. They are seductive in that they entice you by feeding your ego or gaining your initial trust through a supposed interest in you. They are often likable, charismatic or endearing. They draw you in before you know it. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep clothing. Solomon calls them seducers. Both warn to beware.
Let's face it. We're drawn to people who show interest in us. We all really want friendships and companionships, in fact we were created that way. However, choosing friends and companions can be a tricky thing. Our friends and companions have such sway over us. They influence our thinking and behavior. And because of the sense of comfort and intimacy, we will share and do things with those friends that we don't with other people. It's that familiarity that can lead us to trouble.
That's why Jesus says to beware. You really want to know what a person is like do a little research. Keep your eyes open. What do you know about past behavior. It should be a clue. Ladies, if a guy has been married two or three times and now is interested in you, the warning lights ought to be flashing. He's not misunderstood, he's got some real relationship issues. Guys, if she's got a shaky past and is real affectionate with you, HELLO, something's not right here.
You can always tell a person by the fruit they've borne in the past. Abusive guys will continue the pattern in the future. Shady characters will continue to deceive in the future. Although I know God has the power to change lives, you don't. Want to save yourself a lot of grief later, pay attention to fruit produced in the past.
God, give me wisdom to discern my friends, companions, models, mentors, and associates.
Jesus and Solomon both warn of seductive characters that could misdirect your path and get you into trouble. They are seductive in that they entice you by feeding your ego or gaining your initial trust through a supposed interest in you. They are often likable, charismatic or endearing. They draw you in before you know it. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep clothing. Solomon calls them seducers. Both warn to beware.
Let's face it. We're drawn to people who show interest in us. We all really want friendships and companionships, in fact we were created that way. However, choosing friends and companions can be a tricky thing. Our friends and companions have such sway over us. They influence our thinking and behavior. And because of the sense of comfort and intimacy, we will share and do things with those friends that we don't with other people. It's that familiarity that can lead us to trouble.
That's why Jesus says to beware. You really want to know what a person is like do a little research. Keep your eyes open. What do you know about past behavior. It should be a clue. Ladies, if a guy has been married two or three times and now is interested in you, the warning lights ought to be flashing. He's not misunderstood, he's got some real relationship issues. Guys, if she's got a shaky past and is real affectionate with you, HELLO, something's not right here.
You can always tell a person by the fruit they've borne in the past. Abusive guys will continue the pattern in the future. Shady characters will continue to deceive in the future. Although I know God has the power to change lives, you don't. Want to save yourself a lot of grief later, pay attention to fruit produced in the past.
God, give me wisdom to discern my friends, companions, models, mentors, and associates.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Daily Reflections on Gen. 18-19; Mt. 6:25-34 (Confronting the Negative Influence)
It's interesting that when the angels came to check out Sodom, Lot was sitting at the gate. It's almost as if Abraham had called ahead to warn Lot the angels were coming. Apparently, hanging out at the city gate was common for Lot. Maybe he was there to protect others coming to the city or maybe he was trying to stay away from all the corruptness of the city.
When the angels arrived, Lot met them and invited them home with Him. Hotels, as we know them, didn't exist in Lot's day. People often went to the city square to stay the night when came to foreign city. City natives might offer a place to stay. The angels were planning to go to the city square to spend the night. But Lot knew his own city very well and insisted for their own protection, that they stay the night with him.
Lot, obviously knew who the angels were or at least had a good idea. Abe knew when they came to visit him. He attempted to protect God's messengers from his world, his community. He locked them away in his house even when others came to find out who they were, with the goal of exploiting them. Ironically, they saved Lot not the other way around.
It seems to me that there is a tendency among God's people to try to hide, protect, defend and even keep God from their environment, workplace, community, neighborhood, friends and acquaintances. We don't want God exposed to them for fear of embarrassment or that God will get kicked around. News flash: God can take care of himself. He doesn't need protecting or shielding. He knew what was going on in Sodom and Gomorrah before He sent the angels to destroy it. He knows whats going in your life and lives of those surrounding you. You don't have to run interference.
If there is a lesson here, it has to do with Lot and his family. They continued to live in the vileness without being salt or light. They tried to keep God from intersecting with the people of his community. And then he was reluctant to leave when the angels told him they were going to destroy their city. When they took he and his family by the arm and drug them out for their own protection, they still begged to stay close instead of going where the angels told them to go. And Lot's wife ended up losing her life because she was so endeared to the people who wanted to violate God's angels.
God, Lot apparently was trying to live in both worlds. Help me live with clarity for you, to seek your righteousness. Let me be a light for you. I want to be salt, but not like Lot's wife. I want to make a difference. I want to lift up Jesus.
When the angels arrived, Lot met them and invited them home with Him. Hotels, as we know them, didn't exist in Lot's day. People often went to the city square to stay the night when came to foreign city. City natives might offer a place to stay. The angels were planning to go to the city square to spend the night. But Lot knew his own city very well and insisted for their own protection, that they stay the night with him.
Lot, obviously knew who the angels were or at least had a good idea. Abe knew when they came to visit him. He attempted to protect God's messengers from his world, his community. He locked them away in his house even when others came to find out who they were, with the goal of exploiting them. Ironically, they saved Lot not the other way around.
It seems to me that there is a tendency among God's people to try to hide, protect, defend and even keep God from their environment, workplace, community, neighborhood, friends and acquaintances. We don't want God exposed to them for fear of embarrassment or that God will get kicked around. News flash: God can take care of himself. He doesn't need protecting or shielding. He knew what was going on in Sodom and Gomorrah before He sent the angels to destroy it. He knows whats going in your life and lives of those surrounding you. You don't have to run interference.
If there is a lesson here, it has to do with Lot and his family. They continued to live in the vileness without being salt or light. They tried to keep God from intersecting with the people of his community. And then he was reluctant to leave when the angels told him they were going to destroy their city. When they took he and his family by the arm and drug them out for their own protection, they still begged to stay close instead of going where the angels told them to go. And Lot's wife ended up losing her life because she was so endeared to the people who wanted to violate God's angels.
God, Lot apparently was trying to live in both worlds. Help me live with clarity for you, to seek your righteousness. Let me be a light for you. I want to be salt, but not like Lot's wife. I want to make a difference. I want to lift up Jesus.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Daily Reflections on Gen. 16 (Waiting on God's Promises)
Ever wonder why God took so long to give Abraham a son or why He didn't let Abe in on the plan from the beginning? I mean Abraham is in his seventies when God calls him in the first place. Sarah was already in her sixties. God tells Abe to "go to the land I will show you." So Abe takes off without his Garman and just goes. To where? "God, could you give me a hint?" But God doesn't tell him, He just lets Abe wonder around for a while. "And what about the promise of fathering a great nation? I'd like to know more about this. I'm ready to get started. Am I going to have a harem, Lord?"
Abraham sure had a lot of unanswered questions, as apparently did Sarai or Sarah. "You want me to pack up everything and go where? Are you sure you heard God speaking to you or were you just a little sauced at the time? Father of a great nation? Now I know you were drinking." Yet it was twenty-five years before God gave Abe a son.
You know it was bugging them, had to be Abe. Apparently it was intense enough for Sarah to offer Hagar to Abraham. And Abe was so eager to have a son that he took Hagar to be a surrogate mother. We're not talking In Vitro here. And my guess is that it wasn't a one time occurrence. I wonder what Sarah really thought every time Hagar went into Abe's tent.
Nature worked. Hagar got pregnant. But that's not what God had in mind. Hagar had a son for Abe but it eventually caused trouble for Abe, Sarah, Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael. So let me ask again, why didn't God let Abe in on His plan? He could have saved everyone a lot of grief.
God calls Abe, makes him a promise of being a great nation and giving a land, yet waits until Abe is 100 before He comes through. Weird. When God makes a promise I'd like to collect on it right away. If if won the mega lottery today, I wouldn't want to wait until I was seventy-five before I collected on it.
God's timing and His ways are definitely not our timing and our ways. My observation is that Sarah had given up on God ever keeping His promise. She laughed, "So now I'm gonna have child at ninety." God rewards faithfulness and steadfastness. Perseverance is a quality God admires. God waited for several reasons before giving Abe a son. But one thing is for sure, the birth of Isaac was without question at the hand of God.
God, I confess I'm impatient. I want your promise now. The stirrings you put in my heart and vision in my mind I expect to happen right away. I'm always eager to make things happen in my timing, my way. I'm trusting you and waiting on you. So renew my strength, just as you promise.
Abraham sure had a lot of unanswered questions, as apparently did Sarai or Sarah. "You want me to pack up everything and go where? Are you sure you heard God speaking to you or were you just a little sauced at the time? Father of a great nation? Now I know you were drinking." Yet it was twenty-five years before God gave Abe a son.
You know it was bugging them, had to be Abe. Apparently it was intense enough for Sarah to offer Hagar to Abraham. And Abe was so eager to have a son that he took Hagar to be a surrogate mother. We're not talking In Vitro here. And my guess is that it wasn't a one time occurrence. I wonder what Sarah really thought every time Hagar went into Abe's tent.
Nature worked. Hagar got pregnant. But that's not what God had in mind. Hagar had a son for Abe but it eventually caused trouble for Abe, Sarah, Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael. So let me ask again, why didn't God let Abe in on His plan? He could have saved everyone a lot of grief.
God calls Abe, makes him a promise of being a great nation and giving a land, yet waits until Abe is 100 before He comes through. Weird. When God makes a promise I'd like to collect on it right away. If if won the mega lottery today, I wouldn't want to wait until I was seventy-five before I collected on it.
God's timing and His ways are definitely not our timing and our ways. My observation is that Sarah had given up on God ever keeping His promise. She laughed, "So now I'm gonna have child at ninety." God rewards faithfulness and steadfastness. Perseverance is a quality God admires. God waited for several reasons before giving Abe a son. But one thing is for sure, the birth of Isaac was without question at the hand of God.
God, I confess I'm impatient. I want your promise now. The stirrings you put in my heart and vision in my mind I expect to happen right away. I'm always eager to make things happen in my timing, my way. I'm trusting you and waiting on you. So renew my strength, just as you promise.
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