Everywhere I go I hear people talking about being "stressed out" over something. Work, school, relationships, kids, circumstances, finances, you name it, we're stressed out about something. Sometimes we get stressed over small issues. Sometimes we're stressed over big issues. Sometimes we're stressed over a combination of things whose culmination leads to not enough time to get it all done.
A counselor friend of mine once told me that the world would be a lot better place if we would put Celexa (a mood elevating drug) in the water supply. That might be an idea, but something tells me that wouldn't eliminate all the stress we experience in life.
Peter instructs us to cast all our anxiety/cares on God, because He cares for us. That too seems easier said than done. With unemployment still about 10%, the economy still in the tank, taxes going up, oil filling the gulf, war still raging, pressures building, casting my anxiety on God is a difficult thing to do. The "don't worry, be happy" Bobby McFerrin mentality is hard to come by. We're thinking, "God, you're stressing me out by not sticking your finger in the dike. Plug the hole in the economy, the oil leak in the gulf, MY checkbook."
Too be honest, I've been facing my own personal test of living this truth. In addition to what's been going on in our economy, I've been facing one of the most difficult challenges of my life. Earlier this spring, we discovered that our treasurer had embezzled multiple thousands of dollars from our church. He left us in debt and significantly overdrawn at our bank. The effect has been devastating to our church family. We lost the lease on our facility and have virtually been forced into closing.
The personal toll for me has been high, emotionally, spiritually and financially. No income, no church, no job, no clear vision of the future. Talk about anxiety. Bills continue. Vehicles need repairing. Mouths have to be fed, including mine. I find myself crying out, "OK God, I'm casting all my cares on you but can you hurry up and do something about this? And don't give me that stuff about those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. I'm drowning here."
Casting your cares on Him is easy to say and preach and tell others. But when you're in the throes of a crisis, it's dark and you can't find your way clear, casting your anxiety on Him is cry of desperation. We want, we need God to do something NOW because the strain is unbearable. It's hard to keep going when you feel that Job had it easy. It rattles our faith and we certainly find it hard to believe that God truly does care for us as the scripture asserts.
I know that I'm just a whining wimp. I haven't had to suffer anything as severe as many. My uncertainties and circumstances are nothing compared to the many martyrs of both scripture and history. Yet deep in my heart I long for that place of security, and value, and calm and relief from the pressure. I keep clinging to the promise that "the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."(v.10)
God, I don't like being in a place of insecurity. It's hard to take the next step when you can't see where you're going. The stress is only building as each day brings with it more pressure, more uncertainty and the hole just seems to keep getting bigger. I'm casting my cares on you. Show me that you care. Show me that you are aware of my need, my pain, my desperation. Expand my faith. Renew my spirit. Make me aware of your presence. Give me hope. Resolve the issues that seem insurmountable. Restore me. Make me strong, firm and steadfast in YOU.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Reconsidering and Reminscing Life (Eccl. 7:1-12)
With my oldest daughter just graduating from college, memories of my college graduation flooded my mind. I don't remember much about the actual event. What I remember most is that my grandmother's house burnt down that day. My family all left me to rush to the scene just an hour away. I was left to pack my final belongings, including my fish tanks, all by myself. Her's was an old boarding house with a coal oil floor furnace. My grandmother was recouping from an injury at my aunt's several hours away and wasn't even home. The old coal furnace exploded igniting the house.
There were a lot of memories in that old two story place. The floors were uneven. Bathrooms had been added. And it had a flat roof. As kids we used to stand on that grate of that old coal furnace and the soles of our shoes would be branded like a waffle. But oh the living that went on in that place. It was place where stories were exchanged and embellished, meals shared around a big dining room table, songs sung, family gatherings held, people welcomed. That old boarding house was a huge part of my heritage and growing up memories.
I suppose it was a place where I learned a lot about life and relationships and family and faith. I learned about giving to others, laughter, love, responsibility, creativity and healthy family relationships. Anyone was welcome to drop in, pull up a chair and join us at the table. It was a unique place, a safe place, an accepting place.
After my grandmother passed several years later, I inherited her latest Bible. She had opted to give up her King James Version for a New International Version which she read every day. Throughout the pages she begin to highlight and under portions that spoke to her. One of those passages comes from Ecclesiastes 7, especially keying in on verses 1 and 12. It's a section on wisdom as is much of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. But Ecclesiastes gives a great deal of focus to the vain things of life and really zeroes in on things that really matter.
In this passage Solomon writes about how a good name is better than perfume. We have to remember that he writes this long before deodorant soap and Axe was invented. It's also before washers and dryers and of course air conditioning. People walked everywhere or rode beasts of burden. I'm guessing perfume was a REAL necessity. The implication is that a good reputation, good character was a whole lot more pleasantly aromatic to others than those with a poor reputation. In other words people with a bad reputation stink and are repulsive.
Solomon talks about the day of death being better than the day of birth. He couples that thought with the folly of living a party filled, meaningless life. He counsels us to focus our life on the things that really matter and the destiny of our life. It's a reminder that life is really short and what we do with our life makes a difference in eternity.
I watch students and adults all the time who give no thought or consideration to the opportunity, the gift of life. There are many who just fritter away their life and opportunities. They don't see or simply just fail to take advantage of the gifts God places before them for a full and meaningful life. There is a laissez-faire, ambitionless attitude toward life persisting among many that pursues only temporary pleasure without thought to consequences or long term implications to their life. One episode of Judge Judy will quickly demonstrate the mentality of our society today.
By the time Solomon hits verse twelve, he proclaims that wisdom is a shelter because it preserves the life of the possessor. Those who have a clue have a much better chance of making something positive out of life than wrecking their life and falling into pits from which some never escape.
I'm grateful for the times in that old boarding house for more than my shoes were imprinted as a I stood next the dining room table. I gained tons of wisdom and perspective from the lives of older, wiser family members and friends. My life was shaped in part by those gatherings. I learned how to really live and the significance of each life. It's why my grandmother's Bible is so precious to me. Because the basis of what I absorbed, of what was lived out before me was God's Word.
God, I don't want to waste or squander away my life. I want to see your big picture for me. I want to enjoy every minute of the life you've given to me. I want to learn from the good and difficult moments. I want to laugh more robustly, live more fully, celebrate more vigorously, enjoy the people in my life more deeply. I want your wisdom. I want the life to full that you promised in Christ.
There were a lot of memories in that old two story place. The floors were uneven. Bathrooms had been added. And it had a flat roof. As kids we used to stand on that grate of that old coal furnace and the soles of our shoes would be branded like a waffle. But oh the living that went on in that place. It was place where stories were exchanged and embellished, meals shared around a big dining room table, songs sung, family gatherings held, people welcomed. That old boarding house was a huge part of my heritage and growing up memories.
I suppose it was a place where I learned a lot about life and relationships and family and faith. I learned about giving to others, laughter, love, responsibility, creativity and healthy family relationships. Anyone was welcome to drop in, pull up a chair and join us at the table. It was a unique place, a safe place, an accepting place.
After my grandmother passed several years later, I inherited her latest Bible. She had opted to give up her King James Version for a New International Version which she read every day. Throughout the pages she begin to highlight and under portions that spoke to her. One of those passages comes from Ecclesiastes 7, especially keying in on verses 1 and 12. It's a section on wisdom as is much of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. But Ecclesiastes gives a great deal of focus to the vain things of life and really zeroes in on things that really matter.
In this passage Solomon writes about how a good name is better than perfume. We have to remember that he writes this long before deodorant soap and Axe was invented. It's also before washers and dryers and of course air conditioning. People walked everywhere or rode beasts of burden. I'm guessing perfume was a REAL necessity. The implication is that a good reputation, good character was a whole lot more pleasantly aromatic to others than those with a poor reputation. In other words people with a bad reputation stink and are repulsive.
Solomon talks about the day of death being better than the day of birth. He couples that thought with the folly of living a party filled, meaningless life. He counsels us to focus our life on the things that really matter and the destiny of our life. It's a reminder that life is really short and what we do with our life makes a difference in eternity.
I watch students and adults all the time who give no thought or consideration to the opportunity, the gift of life. There are many who just fritter away their life and opportunities. They don't see or simply just fail to take advantage of the gifts God places before them for a full and meaningful life. There is a laissez-faire, ambitionless attitude toward life persisting among many that pursues only temporary pleasure without thought to consequences or long term implications to their life. One episode of Judge Judy will quickly demonstrate the mentality of our society today.
By the time Solomon hits verse twelve, he proclaims that wisdom is a shelter because it preserves the life of the possessor. Those who have a clue have a much better chance of making something positive out of life than wrecking their life and falling into pits from which some never escape.
I'm grateful for the times in that old boarding house for more than my shoes were imprinted as a I stood next the dining room table. I gained tons of wisdom and perspective from the lives of older, wiser family members and friends. My life was shaped in part by those gatherings. I learned how to really live and the significance of each life. It's why my grandmother's Bible is so precious to me. Because the basis of what I absorbed, of what was lived out before me was God's Word.
God, I don't want to waste or squander away my life. I want to see your big picture for me. I want to enjoy every minute of the life you've given to me. I want to learn from the good and difficult moments. I want to laugh more robustly, live more fully, celebrate more vigorously, enjoy the people in my life more deeply. I want your wisdom. I want the life to full that you promised in Christ.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Where's the Sense of Awe? (Isa. 6:1-8; Acts 2:42-47)
It's the only time the word "holy" is used three consecutive times. We're talking about "holy" in reference to God. Holy is used numerous times in the Bible but, the only times you ever see "holy, holy, holy" is when it describes our Heavenly Father. Isaiah 6 draws me, entices me, challenges me, motivates me, thrills me, encourages me. In time of depression for Isaiah and the country, the death of King Uzziah, God speaks to Isaiah in a vision. It's a life changing vision that takes Isaiah on a prophetic journey; a journey that ultimately impacts the world with the promise of the coming Messiah.
The picture of God painted here reminds me a lot of vision the Apostle John depicts in Revelation; God seated high on a throne, being exalted by seraphs/angels who fly back and forth proclaiming His praise. Throughout the Old Testament and of course Revelation, the image of the glorious majesty of God is portrayed over and over again. People bow, tremble, shake, fall prostrate as they experienced the presence of God in their midst.
I wonder where that sense of awe has gone today. Rereading the second chapter of Acts recently stirred my heart. I noted that something was missing from today's corporate gatherings. I have long been associated with an ecclesiastical leaning that has prided itself on restoring New Testament Christianity to its practices. Acts 2:42 has been a staple of this movement. They (the first Christians) continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. We've have hammered those four elements as the key for a New Testament Church to employ.
What has always been a little bothersome to me and has struck me more deeply recently is why stop there. If restoring New Testament Christianity is the goal, what do we ignore verses 43-47?
Like Isaiah and many of the Old Testament encounters, the early Christians experienced a sense of awe and many signs and wonders were happening in their midst. My question is, "What happened to the sense of awe among today's believers?" I don't mean awe of the service or worship team or video composite or speaker. Where is the awe of God? Where are the truly changed lives? Where is the awe of the majesty and glory and GRACE of God.
There was a transformation that happened to Isaiah when he encountered God's Holy, Holy, Holiness. Isaiah was immediately aware of his sin, his inadequacy, his unrighteousness. But God in His holiness extended grace and cleansing and restoration to Isaiah, touching his unclean lips with a purging coal from His altar.
The awe for Isaiah dramatically soared.The majestic God just removed Isaiah's sin and guilt in one fell swoop. In response, Isaiah poured out his life to be used by God.
The same is true for the early Christians. Through the blood sacrifice of Christ and His resurrection, the early Christians were now freed from the bondage of sin and the guilt of not being able to keep the law. What? Jesus paid it all? Wow? I'm free? I'm cleansed from my unrighteousness? Amazing? Then all to Him I owe! And they sold their possession giving to anyone who had need. Lives were being changed, transformed by the power of God and His holiness.
And what's amazing is the early Christians became in the words of Elton Trueblood, an incendiary fellowship which drew thousands of more lives to the cross of Christ. Daily, Acts 2:47 says, changed lives were being added to their numbers.
God, why don't I experience awe of you when I gather with my fellow believers? Why is there so much focus on the order of service and what time we get out? Why do we skim through your teaching like we're perusing a self help book? Lord, I want to experience awe of you. I want to see lives truly changed by the power of your truth, your spirit, your grace. I want to be a part of people who are truly immersed in your spirit, your life, that make such a difference in their community that lives are changed and people are added daily to YOUR church, YOUR kingdom.
The picture of God painted here reminds me a lot of vision the Apostle John depicts in Revelation; God seated high on a throne, being exalted by seraphs/angels who fly back and forth proclaiming His praise. Throughout the Old Testament and of course Revelation, the image of the glorious majesty of God is portrayed over and over again. People bow, tremble, shake, fall prostrate as they experienced the presence of God in their midst.
I wonder where that sense of awe has gone today. Rereading the second chapter of Acts recently stirred my heart. I noted that something was missing from today's corporate gatherings. I have long been associated with an ecclesiastical leaning that has prided itself on restoring New Testament Christianity to its practices. Acts 2:42 has been a staple of this movement. They (the first Christians) continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. We've have hammered those four elements as the key for a New Testament Church to employ.
What has always been a little bothersome to me and has struck me more deeply recently is why stop there. If restoring New Testament Christianity is the goal, what do we ignore verses 43-47?
Like Isaiah and many of the Old Testament encounters, the early Christians experienced a sense of awe and many signs and wonders were happening in their midst. My question is, "What happened to the sense of awe among today's believers?" I don't mean awe of the service or worship team or video composite or speaker. Where is the awe of God? Where are the truly changed lives? Where is the awe of the majesty and glory and GRACE of God.
There was a transformation that happened to Isaiah when he encountered God's Holy, Holy, Holiness. Isaiah was immediately aware of his sin, his inadequacy, his unrighteousness. But God in His holiness extended grace and cleansing and restoration to Isaiah, touching his unclean lips with a purging coal from His altar.
The awe for Isaiah dramatically soared.The majestic God just removed Isaiah's sin and guilt in one fell swoop. In response, Isaiah poured out his life to be used by God.
The same is true for the early Christians. Through the blood sacrifice of Christ and His resurrection, the early Christians were now freed from the bondage of sin and the guilt of not being able to keep the law. What? Jesus paid it all? Wow? I'm free? I'm cleansed from my unrighteousness? Amazing? Then all to Him I owe! And they sold their possession giving to anyone who had need. Lives were being changed, transformed by the power of God and His holiness.
And what's amazing is the early Christians became in the words of Elton Trueblood, an incendiary fellowship which drew thousands of more lives to the cross of Christ. Daily, Acts 2:47 says, changed lives were being added to their numbers.
God, why don't I experience awe of you when I gather with my fellow believers? Why is there so much focus on the order of service and what time we get out? Why do we skim through your teaching like we're perusing a self help book? Lord, I want to experience awe of you. I want to see lives truly changed by the power of your truth, your spirit, your grace. I want to be a part of people who are truly immersed in your spirit, your life, that make such a difference in their community that lives are changed and people are added daily to YOUR church, YOUR kingdom.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Daily Reflections on Prov. 4:1-13 (I Need to Get More Wisdom)
I just dropped my youngest daughter at college last Friday. It's her second year. Each year is a challenge of figuring out how to pay for school. I'm proud of both daughters who are paying their own way through school. They couldn't do it without student loans. My older daughter is in year five of a five year/dual degree program. When she graduates this spring her student loan debt will be about $30,000. Probably not as bad as some and not as good as others.
College is expensive. Even with grants the financial burden of getting an education is severe. Pursuing a dream is always costly. Getting the tools necessary to accomplish dream exacts a cost. There is always an investment required.
Solomon talks about the cost of gaining wisdom in Proverbs 4. People spend a lot on education these days. But education alone isn't enough. You need wisdom to apply your learning. Solomon exclaims, "Get wisdom, get understanding." Later in chapter four he says that wisdom is supreme, get wisdom even if it cost you all you have, get understanding.
When Solomon talks about understanding, he's not just talking about getting information. Although information helps in discernment, he is talking about gaining the insight of wisdom here. It's the insight to know what to do with the information you have acquired. Lots of people know computer programming and understand computer technology, but Bill Gates had the insight or wisdom that very few have. There are a lot of financial investors, but few with the wisdom of Warren Buffet.
The advice that I would give all college students and truly all students of life would be to heed Solomon's words here in Proverbs 4 about getting wisdom. Wisdom adds so much more to your life. The quality of your life will improve. The hardships will decrease. The path of wisdom may seem different from that of the world's, but it's the safest, most profitable path to take.
God, in this confusing world, I need wisdom. I don't need the wisdom of man. I need your wisdom. Give me wisdom today. Give me the wisdom I need to handle today's challenges. Give me the wisdom to understand the steps I need to take today to get to where you want me to be tomorrow and on down the road.
College is expensive. Even with grants the financial burden of getting an education is severe. Pursuing a dream is always costly. Getting the tools necessary to accomplish dream exacts a cost. There is always an investment required.
Solomon talks about the cost of gaining wisdom in Proverbs 4. People spend a lot on education these days. But education alone isn't enough. You need wisdom to apply your learning. Solomon exclaims, "Get wisdom, get understanding." Later in chapter four he says that wisdom is supreme, get wisdom even if it cost you all you have, get understanding.
When Solomon talks about understanding, he's not just talking about getting information. Although information helps in discernment, he is talking about gaining the insight of wisdom here. It's the insight to know what to do with the information you have acquired. Lots of people know computer programming and understand computer technology, but Bill Gates had the insight or wisdom that very few have. There are a lot of financial investors, but few with the wisdom of Warren Buffet.
The advice that I would give all college students and truly all students of life would be to heed Solomon's words here in Proverbs 4 about getting wisdom. Wisdom adds so much more to your life. The quality of your life will improve. The hardships will decrease. The path of wisdom may seem different from that of the world's, but it's the safest, most profitable path to take.
God, in this confusing world, I need wisdom. I don't need the wisdom of man. I need your wisdom. Give me wisdom today. Give me the wisdom I need to handle today's challenges. Give me the wisdom to understand the steps I need to take today to get to where you want me to be tomorrow and on down the road.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Daily Reflections on Jn. 10:14-42 (A Tribute to Pauline)
This past week my wife's great aunt passed away. She was 99. A lovely lady with great grace. She was an encourager, a helper, a servant. By the time you reach 99 you learn a lot about life. And her guide throughout her years was the Good Shepherd. One of ten kids up and then starting life in the depression, marriage and the premature death of her spouse, Pauline learned how to follow her shepherd.
All good relationships are fueled by trust. Our spiritual relationship with God is fueled by learning to trust Him more. The more that I learn to trust Him in all areas of my life, the deeper my relationship with God will be. The more I learn to trust Jesus on a daily basis, the deeper, the more satisfying, the more enjoyable my spiritual life will be, not to mention my daily life.
If I'm going to learn to trust the Good Shepherd, like Aunt Pauline, and build my relationship with Jesus, I have to learn to trust Jesus' character. If I learn what Jesus is really like then I know that I can trust Him. As we examine His character we will realize that we can cast our cares on Him, as Peter says, because He cares for us.
Sometimes we struggle with issues or events thinking that God has thrown a monkey wrench into the mix just to mess us up or to punish us. We find ourselves questioning not only the event, but we find ourselves questioning God. We say things like, "God, why are you letting this happen to me?" But that's not the character of Jesus that we see in John 10. As the Good Shepherd we have to remember that Jesus knows us, personally. That means he knows what we're facing, feeling, going through and He's there.
According to this passage Jesus says that He is willing to lay down His life for His sheep, that's us. No one takes His life from Him. He willing lays it down for us. Those aren't just words. He proved at the cross, laying down His life for mine and yours. And it's through that sacrifice that He can invite us into the security of His fold. He invites us because He loves us.
It's one thing to trust Jesus' character, but it's another thing to trust His power. Even if I trust His character and understand that He cares for me, so what if He can't make a difference in my life? But as you peruse the pages of the Bible, you realize that as God, Jesus is all powerful. And if Jesus is all powerful then instead of holding onto all the issues in my life, I should release them into His hands. I've learned through my limited years that God won't rip anything out of my hands. He always waits for me to give it to Him. I end up struggling half the time because I've not let it go and put it in His hands.
Perhaps that's because, sometimes I forget to trust in Jesus' promises. Sure I know He cares and that He's all powerful, but I forget that His promises are for me, not just stuff written in a book for me to read. If you read through this passage in John 10 it becomes obvious that Jesus promises for all who will come to Him and place their trust in Him to give them eternal life, that they'll never perish and that no one can snatch them out of His hand. Those basic promises are foundational in our relationship with Him learning to trust Him in the daily things of life.
God, thanks for the example of Aunt Pauline who lived her life following, trusting the Good Shepherd. Help me grow in learning how to trust you daily for even the most basic things of life. I want that abundant life that Jesus talks about and I know that's only possible as I relinquish my daily schedule, agenda, struggles, challenges to you.
All good relationships are fueled by trust. Our spiritual relationship with God is fueled by learning to trust Him more. The more that I learn to trust Him in all areas of my life, the deeper my relationship with God will be. The more I learn to trust Jesus on a daily basis, the deeper, the more satisfying, the more enjoyable my spiritual life will be, not to mention my daily life.
If I'm going to learn to trust the Good Shepherd, like Aunt Pauline, and build my relationship with Jesus, I have to learn to trust Jesus' character. If I learn what Jesus is really like then I know that I can trust Him. As we examine His character we will realize that we can cast our cares on Him, as Peter says, because He cares for us.
Sometimes we struggle with issues or events thinking that God has thrown a monkey wrench into the mix just to mess us up or to punish us. We find ourselves questioning not only the event, but we find ourselves questioning God. We say things like, "God, why are you letting this happen to me?" But that's not the character of Jesus that we see in John 10. As the Good Shepherd we have to remember that Jesus knows us, personally. That means he knows what we're facing, feeling, going through and He's there.
According to this passage Jesus says that He is willing to lay down His life for His sheep, that's us. No one takes His life from Him. He willing lays it down for us. Those aren't just words. He proved at the cross, laying down His life for mine and yours. And it's through that sacrifice that He can invite us into the security of His fold. He invites us because He loves us.
It's one thing to trust Jesus' character, but it's another thing to trust His power. Even if I trust His character and understand that He cares for me, so what if He can't make a difference in my life? But as you peruse the pages of the Bible, you realize that as God, Jesus is all powerful. And if Jesus is all powerful then instead of holding onto all the issues in my life, I should release them into His hands. I've learned through my limited years that God won't rip anything out of my hands. He always waits for me to give it to Him. I end up struggling half the time because I've not let it go and put it in His hands.
Perhaps that's because, sometimes I forget to trust in Jesus' promises. Sure I know He cares and that He's all powerful, but I forget that His promises are for me, not just stuff written in a book for me to read. If you read through this passage in John 10 it becomes obvious that Jesus promises for all who will come to Him and place their trust in Him to give them eternal life, that they'll never perish and that no one can snatch them out of His hand. Those basic promises are foundational in our relationship with Him learning to trust Him in the daily things of life.
God, thanks for the example of Aunt Pauline who lived her life following, trusting the Good Shepherd. Help me grow in learning how to trust you daily for even the most basic things of life. I want that abundant life that Jesus talks about and I know that's only possible as I relinquish my daily schedule, agenda, struggles, challenges to you.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Daily Reflections on Jn. 10:14-21 (I Want In)
Yesterday after church services my wife exclaims, "I want you to preach that at my funeral." Later in the afternoon as I watching Y.E. Yang's amazing come from behind win at this year's PGA Championship over Tiger Woods, she sat down on the couch and said proclaimed the same message, "I mean it. I want you to preach that at my funeral."
That morning I had spoken on John 10:1-13. It's the passage where Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd and that He is the Gate or the Door. I had gotten a clearer understanding of that passage when I was in Israel in the year 2000. In my western way of thinking, when the Bible talked about folds or pens, I imaged a fenced in area with barb wire, swinging gate and the whole bit. I didn't realize that folds were actually caves with only one entrance/exit and that literally the shepherd was the door. He would sleep in the entry way so that nothing could pass in or out without his knowledge. Everything went through him.
Sure makes a lot more sense than my imagery. It's a lot easier to understand how the Good Shepherd would know each sheep if they had to pass through virtually one at a time as they entered the cave.
But if you keep on reading, beginning in verse 14 and following, you realize that there is more to the story. He talks about the intimacy that Jesus has with us if we're a part of his flock or part of His fold. We can have the same type of relationship with Jesus that He enjoys with God, the Father. There's a oneness that is only possible when we enter through the gate, Jesus.
When Jesus was teaching this life lesson, He mentioned that He had other sheep that were not of this particular sheep pen. What's He talking about? Some have erroneously suggested that Jesus was referring to life on other planets. Not so. He's talking to a Jewish crowd at the Feast of Tabernacles. Jewish feast. Jewish people. Jewish pen. So who are the other sheep "not of this sheep pen?" Those of us who are not Jews, more commonly known as "the gentiles."
If I were to draw an imagery that compared to today, I think a parallel would be church folk and non church folk. Many people act as if Jesus only came to save good, clean living, respectable church going people. It's like there are two classes, the acceptable people and those sinful pagans. Many church people make it a point to steer clear from those non church people for fear of contamination. We don't call them unclean, we just think of them as such. We have as little to do with them as possible.
Yet Jesus says, "Hey, you know those people whom you consider unclean, they belong to me too." He talks about that fact that we'll be one flock with one shepherd. News flash: the flock or pen is not ours! We're HIS flock. He came to die for all people, Jews or gentiles, church going people and non church going people. And by the way, just because we're church going people doesn't automatically get us into His fold. We ALL have to enter through the gate, Jesus, individually. We all have to claim Him as Lord and Savior. We all have to listen to His voice, obey His voice and follow Him with complete trust. Your actions give you away as to whom or what you're really following.
God, thanks for providing a way out or rather a way in through Jesus. Thanks for your grace, guidance, protection, love, security, salvation, satisfaction. I know that, Lord, my life isn't so abundant when I fail to listen, obey and follow you implicitly. Thanks for making it possible for me, an unclean gentile, to get into your fold. Help me to realize and remember your flock is broader than my perception and that you died for ALL people, not just for the ones like me.
That morning I had spoken on John 10:1-13. It's the passage where Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd and that He is the Gate or the Door. I had gotten a clearer understanding of that passage when I was in Israel in the year 2000. In my western way of thinking, when the Bible talked about folds or pens, I imaged a fenced in area with barb wire, swinging gate and the whole bit. I didn't realize that folds were actually caves with only one entrance/exit and that literally the shepherd was the door. He would sleep in the entry way so that nothing could pass in or out without his knowledge. Everything went through him.
Sure makes a lot more sense than my imagery. It's a lot easier to understand how the Good Shepherd would know each sheep if they had to pass through virtually one at a time as they entered the cave.
But if you keep on reading, beginning in verse 14 and following, you realize that there is more to the story. He talks about the intimacy that Jesus has with us if we're a part of his flock or part of His fold. We can have the same type of relationship with Jesus that He enjoys with God, the Father. There's a oneness that is only possible when we enter through the gate, Jesus.
When Jesus was teaching this life lesson, He mentioned that He had other sheep that were not of this particular sheep pen. What's He talking about? Some have erroneously suggested that Jesus was referring to life on other planets. Not so. He's talking to a Jewish crowd at the Feast of Tabernacles. Jewish feast. Jewish people. Jewish pen. So who are the other sheep "not of this sheep pen?" Those of us who are not Jews, more commonly known as "the gentiles."
If I were to draw an imagery that compared to today, I think a parallel would be church folk and non church folk. Many people act as if Jesus only came to save good, clean living, respectable church going people. It's like there are two classes, the acceptable people and those sinful pagans. Many church people make it a point to steer clear from those non church people for fear of contamination. We don't call them unclean, we just think of them as such. We have as little to do with them as possible.
Yet Jesus says, "Hey, you know those people whom you consider unclean, they belong to me too." He talks about that fact that we'll be one flock with one shepherd. News flash: the flock or pen is not ours! We're HIS flock. He came to die for all people, Jews or gentiles, church going people and non church going people. And by the way, just because we're church going people doesn't automatically get us into His fold. We ALL have to enter through the gate, Jesus, individually. We all have to claim Him as Lord and Savior. We all have to listen to His voice, obey His voice and follow Him with complete trust. Your actions give you away as to whom or what you're really following.
God, thanks for providing a way out or rather a way in through Jesus. Thanks for your grace, guidance, protection, love, security, salvation, satisfaction. I know that, Lord, my life isn't so abundant when I fail to listen, obey and follow you implicitly. Thanks for making it possible for me, an unclean gentile, to get into your fold. Help me to realize and remember your flock is broader than my perception and that you died for ALL people, not just for the ones like me.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Daily Reflections on Jn. 8:12-30 (A GPS for Life)
GPS is a great device to have in your car. It makes life a lot more convenient and gives you a lot more confidence when heading out to parts unknown. I bought one for my oldest daughter last Christmas. She had used one the previous summer as she traveled for her college and fell in love with it.
Before then she carried an atlas in the car to get her from point "A" to point "B." And of course when all else failed she would call me from the road and ask me to Google maps her position and tell her where she should turn, exit, etc. I was her mapping system in an emergency even though I had no idea where she was half the time. Since the GPS, I rarely receive a call asking for directions. She doesn't need me. It's at her fingertips.
I've been doing a series on the Gospel of John in our Sunday morning services. There is so much to learn from the book of John. Sunday we started into chapter 8 which is the passage of the woman caught in the act of adultery and brought to Jesus to be stoned. This is the passage that Jesus tells the crowd, "You without sin, cast the first stone." It's also where Jesus said to the women, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
It's the annual Feast of the Tabernacles, the one where the Jewish people celebrated God's involvement in their lives through the wilderness wanders on their way to the promised land. As part of the celebration, they erected monstrous lamp stands in the court of women outside the entrance to the Temple and lit them as a reminder of the pillar of fire that led them on their journey.
Right after the scene with the adulterous woman, Jesus stands before these lamp stands and declares that He is the light of the world and that whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness. Over the next few verses, Jesus has an interaction with the religious leaders about the idea. They want to know why He said that and how it could be that He indeed was the light of the world.
Jesus tells us in this passage that He knows where He is going. The rest of us, well, we think we know but we really don't have all knowledge to make ALL the right calls in life. Sometimes we're just guessing. Jesus never guesses. He knows. He doesn't gamble. He knows. He doesn't just pick a direction. He knows.
In the Old Testament, whenever the pillar moved out in front of the camp, it was time to pick up and move. Whenever it stopped, it was time to stop. Wherever it went, that was the direction to go. Jesus is saying that He is that light for us. Since He knows where He is going, I can follow Him in confidence knowing that wherever Jesus leads is the right direction.
He knows where He is going because of His relationship to the Father. As I follow the path of Jesus, the more I begin to know about the Father and the closer I actually become to Christ. I'm listening more intensely. I'm paying more attention. I'm more attuned to His voice, His direction, His attributes, His character, His love. The more I follow Him. The more I find myself drawn to Him.
Following Jesus is like having a GPS for life. I never have to worry about getting lost. He'll guide me turn by turn. He gives me speed, direction, weather updates, traffic updates, and alternative routes when necessary. Of course, I can turn Him off at any time and go it alone. But before long, I'll need to turn Him on again. I can also ignore His direction. But He'll continue to give instruction on how to get back on the right path again.
God, it is so great to have you guiding my life. I don't know why I ever ignore your direction and take wrong turns. I don't why I ever turn you off. You always have the right path to take. Help me turn down the radio, the outside noise and focus on your leading throughout my day. Thanks for the confidence and clarity for my life.
Before then she carried an atlas in the car to get her from point "A" to point "B." And of course when all else failed she would call me from the road and ask me to Google maps her position and tell her where she should turn, exit, etc. I was her mapping system in an emergency even though I had no idea where she was half the time. Since the GPS, I rarely receive a call asking for directions. She doesn't need me. It's at her fingertips.
I've been doing a series on the Gospel of John in our Sunday morning services. There is so much to learn from the book of John. Sunday we started into chapter 8 which is the passage of the woman caught in the act of adultery and brought to Jesus to be stoned. This is the passage that Jesus tells the crowd, "You without sin, cast the first stone." It's also where Jesus said to the women, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
It's the annual Feast of the Tabernacles, the one where the Jewish people celebrated God's involvement in their lives through the wilderness wanders on their way to the promised land. As part of the celebration, they erected monstrous lamp stands in the court of women outside the entrance to the Temple and lit them as a reminder of the pillar of fire that led them on their journey.
Right after the scene with the adulterous woman, Jesus stands before these lamp stands and declares that He is the light of the world and that whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness. Over the next few verses, Jesus has an interaction with the religious leaders about the idea. They want to know why He said that and how it could be that He indeed was the light of the world.
Jesus tells us in this passage that He knows where He is going. The rest of us, well, we think we know but we really don't have all knowledge to make ALL the right calls in life. Sometimes we're just guessing. Jesus never guesses. He knows. He doesn't gamble. He knows. He doesn't just pick a direction. He knows.
In the Old Testament, whenever the pillar moved out in front of the camp, it was time to pick up and move. Whenever it stopped, it was time to stop. Wherever it went, that was the direction to go. Jesus is saying that He is that light for us. Since He knows where He is going, I can follow Him in confidence knowing that wherever Jesus leads is the right direction.
He knows where He is going because of His relationship to the Father. As I follow the path of Jesus, the more I begin to know about the Father and the closer I actually become to Christ. I'm listening more intensely. I'm paying more attention. I'm more attuned to His voice, His direction, His attributes, His character, His love. The more I follow Him. The more I find myself drawn to Him.
Following Jesus is like having a GPS for life. I never have to worry about getting lost. He'll guide me turn by turn. He gives me speed, direction, weather updates, traffic updates, and alternative routes when necessary. Of course, I can turn Him off at any time and go it alone. But before long, I'll need to turn Him on again. I can also ignore His direction. But He'll continue to give instruction on how to get back on the right path again.
God, it is so great to have you guiding my life. I don't know why I ever ignore your direction and take wrong turns. I don't why I ever turn you off. You always have the right path to take. Help me turn down the radio, the outside noise and focus on your leading throughout my day. Thanks for the confidence and clarity for my life.
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