In the year 2000, I got to visit Israel. It's a trip that really affected my life and moved me. Everywhere our group went was full of history. My imagination began to run wild. I pictured scene after scene of Bible stories playing out before me. I'll never forget watching two fisherman early one Sunday morning rinsing and checking their throw nets from a small boat just off shore on the Sea of Galilee. Immediately I could see Peter and Andrew finishing up from an empty night of fishing. The crowds were gathering along the shore to view the fishermen's catch.
As I walked the paths Jesus walked, visited the villages Jesus visited, prayed in the garden where Jesus prayed, I, and the others with me, were seized with the presence of Jesus. When we gathered in the upper room, it was as if Jesus was passing the broken bread and cup to me. It was as if I could have reached out and touched Him. My envy for those who experienced the physical presence of Jesus overwhelmed me. How great it would have been to have touched, been touched or felt the embrace of Jesus. God in the the flesh. Wow. That would have been awesome.
But just as amazing are the words of the Apostle Paul in these verses. Jesus was the fullness of God in bodily form. He also says that we who have entered into a faith relationship with God through Jesus, have the same fullness of Christ in us. The image Paul paints is of a spiritual operation and/or transformation that empties, removes a darkness or a cancer within our heart and being and replaces it with all the fullness of Christ. As we are lowered into the grave of baptismal waters, God buries our old self there. We're dead; to sin that is. As we are raised from our watery tomb, the freshness of God fills us. In our first breath we draw in the spirit of God. We're alive, this time in Him. New life. New power. New start. I'm not just living in Christ. Christ is now in me.
God, sometimes I forget that I'm not just in your family, but you actually live in me in all your fullness. I have a habit of mentally coming to visit your family, share in Sunday dinner and then go my own way. Sometimes I totally ignore that you're in me, your presence, your being is in me. Lord, I know that I'm spiritually schizophrenic. The reality is that you're with me wherever I am because you're not just next to me, you're inside me. Awaken my spirit to acknowledge that I'm alive in you and you're alive in me.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Daily Reflections on Esther 4:1-5:8 (What's My Value?)
Have you ever wondered why you're here on this planet at this time in history? Have you ever wondered what difference your life makes? Have you ever wondered what your value to the world or mankind was? Have you ever wondered why you were born into your family or into your community? Have you ever wondered why you are where you are?
In these chapters of Esther, Mordecai challenges Esther with those famous words, "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Those words have stayed with me since I learned them as a kid. It was clear that all the things in my life; my decisions (good and bad), my circumstances, my experiences, my talents, my choices, shape me and bring me to where I am today. As I've sought to pursue God and His will, He has prepared me for the moment I'm currently facing.
God brings us to those points, but I must choose to be used. I have to act. I have to be alert and aware to what God wants me to do in the moment. My position, my presence brings me to a point of ministry that only I can do in that moment. I'm not a mindless robot that does whatever it's told. I'm a vessel, an instrument that longs to be used or played by God.
Surrendering or acting in faith is the hard part. It struck me, as I read through these chapters again, that Esther's initial response to the challenge at hand to save her people was to go before God in a season of prayer and fasting seeking His wisdom and involvement. She didn't act alone. She got others to join her before she acted. Then, at risk to her own life, she went before the king without invitation, which was punishable by death. God's hand was on her. Her act of faith saved a nation.
Extending oneself in ministry always requires risk and potential personal sacrifice. It may not cost you your life, but it costs something. It's really risk and reward. You risk something, even if it's just failure, when you act in God's behalf? But the rewards are eternal. Maybe the little thing you do for God may not seem like much. It's impossible sometimes to see the full impact this side of heaven.
God, it's hard to see all the elements of my life coming together for a particular ministry at a particular time. Yet, I know you see the big picture. I know wherever I'm here for such a time as this.
In these chapters of Esther, Mordecai challenges Esther with those famous words, "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Those words have stayed with me since I learned them as a kid. It was clear that all the things in my life; my decisions (good and bad), my circumstances, my experiences, my talents, my choices, shape me and bring me to where I am today. As I've sought to pursue God and His will, He has prepared me for the moment I'm currently facing.
God brings us to those points, but I must choose to be used. I have to act. I have to be alert and aware to what God wants me to do in the moment. My position, my presence brings me to a point of ministry that only I can do in that moment. I'm not a mindless robot that does whatever it's told. I'm a vessel, an instrument that longs to be used or played by God.
Surrendering or acting in faith is the hard part. It struck me, as I read through these chapters again, that Esther's initial response to the challenge at hand to save her people was to go before God in a season of prayer and fasting seeking His wisdom and involvement. She didn't act alone. She got others to join her before she acted. Then, at risk to her own life, she went before the king without invitation, which was punishable by death. God's hand was on her. Her act of faith saved a nation.
Extending oneself in ministry always requires risk and potential personal sacrifice. It may not cost you your life, but it costs something. It's really risk and reward. You risk something, even if it's just failure, when you act in God's behalf? But the rewards are eternal. Maybe the little thing you do for God may not seem like much. It's impossible sometimes to see the full impact this side of heaven.
God, it's hard to see all the elements of my life coming together for a particular ministry at a particular time. Yet, I know you see the big picture. I know wherever I'm here for such a time as this.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Daily Reflections on Esther 2:19-23 (Back Stabbing)
Ever been stabbed in the back by people you trusted? Not a great feeling. I've lamented with pastoral friends and others about the amount of time and energy invested with people caring for them, comforting them only to have them turn against you and make your life a living hell. Unfortunately, it happens a lot in ministry.
But it happens a lot in life. When I was in youth ministry, it seemed like I dealt with one teen girl stabbing another teen girl in the back on a daily basis. I learned that there is actually an art to back stabbing another teen girl. What's funny is that the stabber always thinks the stabbee had it coming, so there's no remorse.
Back stabbing isn't just a teenage girl phase. It's a part of life in a selfish culture. It's a form of vengeance. We've declared ourselves judge, jury, and executioner. We don't get mad, we get even or worse. It's a form of getting ahead or placing ourselves in a more enviable position with peers, co-workers, or bosses. But it is still selfishness, doing whatever to get what we want.
But what if you're not the stabber or the stabbee, but you know the stabbing is about to take place? That's the position Esther was in as you read this passage. What do you do? You could sit back and watch the deed played out just staying out of it. You could confront the potential stabber which could draw a flesh wound and make you an enemy. You could warn the potential stabbee it was coming and risk ostracization by everyone. Tough spot.
If you knew it was coming, I'd want to know. If I could stop a blood bath, I'd try. If I was about to hurt someone in a surprise attack, I would want someone to stop me. Back stabbing is a nasty sport that ruins lives, friendships, and reputations.
It has to stop among God's people. It's embarrassing to the church and Christianity. It's destroying churches, people, and hurting the cause of Christ. The Bible says to mark those who cause division. Back stabbers are division causers and should be treated as such. Cancer is not allowed to stay in the body. It's either cut out or irradiated. Not pleasant, but necessary for the body to survive.
God, like Esther, I want be on the King's side. I want to do whatever benefits your Kingdom. I want to protect the King and His Kingdom. Give me wisdom and boldness and grace when I need it to stand up for you.
But it happens a lot in life. When I was in youth ministry, it seemed like I dealt with one teen girl stabbing another teen girl in the back on a daily basis. I learned that there is actually an art to back stabbing another teen girl. What's funny is that the stabber always thinks the stabbee had it coming, so there's no remorse.
Back stabbing isn't just a teenage girl phase. It's a part of life in a selfish culture. It's a form of vengeance. We've declared ourselves judge, jury, and executioner. We don't get mad, we get even or worse. It's a form of getting ahead or placing ourselves in a more enviable position with peers, co-workers, or bosses. But it is still selfishness, doing whatever to get what we want.
But what if you're not the stabber or the stabbee, but you know the stabbing is about to take place? That's the position Esther was in as you read this passage. What do you do? You could sit back and watch the deed played out just staying out of it. You could confront the potential stabber which could draw a flesh wound and make you an enemy. You could warn the potential stabbee it was coming and risk ostracization by everyone. Tough spot.
If you knew it was coming, I'd want to know. If I could stop a blood bath, I'd try. If I was about to hurt someone in a surprise attack, I would want someone to stop me. Back stabbing is a nasty sport that ruins lives, friendships, and reputations.
It has to stop among God's people. It's embarrassing to the church and Christianity. It's destroying churches, people, and hurting the cause of Christ. The Bible says to mark those who cause division. Back stabbers are division causers and should be treated as such. Cancer is not allowed to stay in the body. It's either cut out or irradiated. Not pleasant, but necessary for the body to survive.
God, like Esther, I want be on the King's side. I want to do whatever benefits your Kingdom. I want to protect the King and His Kingdom. Give me wisdom and boldness and grace when I need it to stand up for you.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Daily Reflections on Esther 2:9-18 (Beauty or a Beast)
Beauty is in the eye of the holder. And everyone who beheld Esther were taken by her beauty. It's been said that beauty is only skin deep. However, that evidently wasn't true with Esther. She apparently radiated with both an inner and an exterior beauty. When it came time to pick a new queen from among the virgins of the king's harem, she out shined them all.
What's really amazing is that Esther goes from Jewish slave girl and orphan to Queen of Babylon. Talk about rags to riches. It's an amazing story. But her rise to queen of the most powerful nation of her day, wasn't an accident or a shrewd political maneuver. It happened by the hand of God which was on her life.
What made Esther so beautiful? Esther's radiance came from within. Her love for God and her obedient relationship with Him shaped her heart, mind, and spirit. Her character, her compassion, her beauty had developed as her faith grew. Her desperate situation as a child had caused her to rely on God. No doubt her cousin, Mordecai, helped to point her to God and His truths. He taught her well. And just like Jesus, Esther grew in wisdom and physical appearance and in favor with God and man.
Because of her faithful obedience and trust in God, He placed her in a position to, in effect, save not only the Jews, but all mankind. Had the Jews been destroyed in her day, Jesus would not have come into the world. She becomes even more radiant to us today, who have never seen her, than to those who gazed upon her beauty.
God, I've always been amazed at Esther's rise to prominence. I've been amazed that even the impossible situation from which she came, she shined with your Shekinah glory. I've been amazed that you ended up offering salvation to the world through the faithful, courageous acts of a slave girl who never lost sight of you. Lord, if you can use a young slave girl with such a tragic background to change the world and affect all of mankind, surely you can use me. I give you my gifts, talents, resources, heart and mind. For all things are possible through you. Here I am. I'm yours, Lord.
What's really amazing is that Esther goes from Jewish slave girl and orphan to Queen of Babylon. Talk about rags to riches. It's an amazing story. But her rise to queen of the most powerful nation of her day, wasn't an accident or a shrewd political maneuver. It happened by the hand of God which was on her life.
What made Esther so beautiful? Esther's radiance came from within. Her love for God and her obedient relationship with Him shaped her heart, mind, and spirit. Her character, her compassion, her beauty had developed as her faith grew. Her desperate situation as a child had caused her to rely on God. No doubt her cousin, Mordecai, helped to point her to God and His truths. He taught her well. And just like Jesus, Esther grew in wisdom and physical appearance and in favor with God and man.
Because of her faithful obedience and trust in God, He placed her in a position to, in effect, save not only the Jews, but all mankind. Had the Jews been destroyed in her day, Jesus would not have come into the world. She becomes even more radiant to us today, who have never seen her, than to those who gazed upon her beauty.
God, I've always been amazed at Esther's rise to prominence. I've been amazed that even the impossible situation from which she came, she shined with your Shekinah glory. I've been amazed that you ended up offering salvation to the world through the faithful, courageous acts of a slave girl who never lost sight of you. Lord, if you can use a young slave girl with such a tragic background to change the world and affect all of mankind, surely you can use me. I give you my gifts, talents, resources, heart and mind. For all things are possible through you. Here I am. I'm yours, Lord.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Daily Reflections on Esther 2:5-8 (Good Fathers, Bad Fathers)
Can you really understand God as Father if you don't have a loving father in your life? My friend, Daniel, and I were just discussing the other day the challenge of portraying the image of a caring, loving father in regards to God to someone whose father abandoned or abused or neglected them. How do you explain the steadfastness of a heavenly father to one whose earthly father walked out, disappeared because of divorce or even passed away tragically?
Some studies have shown that young ladies who grow up without a father in their life have a tendency to become promiscuous as they search for love. Some studies suggest that a young lady draws her self image or self esteem from her father, for good or bad. Other studies show that young men who feel rejected by their fathers have a tendency to develop greater effeminate characteristics or are more easily drawn into the world of homosexuality. They struggle with their own role as a young man and often shun their responsibilities.
Esther, as we see in this passage, grew up in an extremely difficult situation. Her parents either died or were sold into slavery when she was just a young child. She was raised in captivity in a foreign land as a virtual servant or a slave's existence. Yet, she was lucky. Her cousin adopted her and raised her as his own daughter.
If anyone had the right to be bitter, to hate the world and life, to feel abandoned, rejected, hopeless or helpless, it was Esther. If anyone had the right to distrust God as Father, she had it. Not a pleasant life or background to no fault of her own. But somehow she got past all of that and learned to love and trust God. She didn't let her experience of abandonment prevent her from experiencing a loving heavenly father.
God, there's a lot of hurt in this world. There are tons of young men and women, mature men and women, who have been neglected, abused, abandoned, belittled by their fathers. Some have never known what it's like to crawl up in their daddy's lap or to feel the loving embrace of a father's strong arms. Lord, I pray that, like Esther, people can put aside those rotten circumstances, those feelings of abandonment, rejection, neglect, distrust and discover your genuine, compassionate, love, power, protection and grace. Use me, God. Give me wisdom on how to portray your true nature.
Some studies have shown that young ladies who grow up without a father in their life have a tendency to become promiscuous as they search for love. Some studies suggest that a young lady draws her self image or self esteem from her father, for good or bad. Other studies show that young men who feel rejected by their fathers have a tendency to develop greater effeminate characteristics or are more easily drawn into the world of homosexuality. They struggle with their own role as a young man and often shun their responsibilities.
Esther, as we see in this passage, grew up in an extremely difficult situation. Her parents either died or were sold into slavery when she was just a young child. She was raised in captivity in a foreign land as a virtual servant or a slave's existence. Yet, she was lucky. Her cousin adopted her and raised her as his own daughter.
If anyone had the right to be bitter, to hate the world and life, to feel abandoned, rejected, hopeless or helpless, it was Esther. If anyone had the right to distrust God as Father, she had it. Not a pleasant life or background to no fault of her own. But somehow she got past all of that and learned to love and trust God. She didn't let her experience of abandonment prevent her from experiencing a loving heavenly father.
God, there's a lot of hurt in this world. There are tons of young men and women, mature men and women, who have been neglected, abused, abandoned, belittled by their fathers. Some have never known what it's like to crawl up in their daddy's lap or to feel the loving embrace of a father's strong arms. Lord, I pray that, like Esther, people can put aside those rotten circumstances, those feelings of abandonment, rejection, neglect, distrust and discover your genuine, compassionate, love, power, protection and grace. Use me, God. Give me wisdom on how to portray your true nature.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Daily Reflections on Ezek. 18:21-32 (Is God Fair?)
Grace! I'm not talking about a blue eyed blond. I'm talking about the mercy and forgiveness God offers. Having grown up with the mentality that I had to earn God's forgiveness and mercy through my actions and behavior, the concept of grace was a welcome relief. No matter how hard I tried I still found myself doing the very things I didn't want to do. It haunted me until I discovered the Apostle Paul went through the same struggles. I could identify with Paul's internal battle in Romans 7. And I took comfort that I was not alone.
However, it was years later that the full implication of Romans 8 became clear to me and I finally discovered grace as God intended it. A seminary professor I once had posed this question to our class, "Is God fair?" It caused a lot of debate. Many defended God's honor in their minds by professing His fairness, attempting to explain away the dichotomy of God's actions throughout the scripture as His sovereignty.
But if you look closely at this passage in Ezekiel, the question of fairness becomes a bit more complicated. Truth is, God isn't fair. Furthermore, I don't want Him to be fair. I'd rather have grace instead of fairness. 2 Corinthians 5 says that God made Jesus, who never sinned to be sin in our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. What that simply means is that Jesus, who never sinned, who was perfect, had to pay the penalty for my sin and everyone else's sin. Does that seem fair to you? Doesn't to me. Jesus, who deserved life, got death. And I, and everyone else for that matter, who sin, got life. That's grace.
Today's text simply says that when we, who screwed up our life and past come to God with a sorrowful heart and seek Him, God offers forgiveness and eternal life. It doesn't matter what I've done or you've done in our past, God wipes our slate clean. He expunges our record of sin. He eliminates our debt. He reformats our hard drive. And He welcomes our desire to build a relationship with Him. That's grace. I can move forward with my life freed from my guilt, all because of what Jesus did for me on the the cross and through His resurrection. I'm a new person. I get a new life. Not just turn over a new leaf. I get a new life!
God, I'm sure glad your not fair. Because if you were fair I get the punishment that I deserve. I'm glad you offer grace. Thanks for providing me with a way of escape from myself and my past and my tendencies. Thanks not only for my forgiveness, thanks also for giving me your Holy Spirit to live within me to help me live by your truths and do the things I want to do and you want me to do. You're an awesome God.
However, it was years later that the full implication of Romans 8 became clear to me and I finally discovered grace as God intended it. A seminary professor I once had posed this question to our class, "Is God fair?" It caused a lot of debate. Many defended God's honor in their minds by professing His fairness, attempting to explain away the dichotomy of God's actions throughout the scripture as His sovereignty.
But if you look closely at this passage in Ezekiel, the question of fairness becomes a bit more complicated. Truth is, God isn't fair. Furthermore, I don't want Him to be fair. I'd rather have grace instead of fairness. 2 Corinthians 5 says that God made Jesus, who never sinned to be sin in our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. What that simply means is that Jesus, who never sinned, who was perfect, had to pay the penalty for my sin and everyone else's sin. Does that seem fair to you? Doesn't to me. Jesus, who deserved life, got death. And I, and everyone else for that matter, who sin, got life. That's grace.
Today's text simply says that when we, who screwed up our life and past come to God with a sorrowful heart and seek Him, God offers forgiveness and eternal life. It doesn't matter what I've done or you've done in our past, God wipes our slate clean. He expunges our record of sin. He eliminates our debt. He reformats our hard drive. And He welcomes our desire to build a relationship with Him. That's grace. I can move forward with my life freed from my guilt, all because of what Jesus did for me on the the cross and through His resurrection. I'm a new person. I get a new life. Not just turn over a new leaf. I get a new life!
God, I'm sure glad your not fair. Because if you were fair I get the punishment that I deserve. I'm glad you offer grace. Thanks for providing me with a way of escape from myself and my past and my tendencies. Thanks not only for my forgiveness, thanks also for giving me your Holy Spirit to live within me to help me live by your truths and do the things I want to do and you want me to do. You're an awesome God.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Daily Reflections on Ezek. 20:1-5; Lk. 23:8-9 (Does God Ever Quit Listening to Us?)
Does God ever close His ears? Does He ever turn us off or tune us out? Does God ever refuse to answer His phone? Does He just let it go to voice mail? Apparently the answer is "yes." In these passages God simply shuts off the inquirers. He's not listening and He's not answering. He maintains radio silence.
If God already knows our thoughts before we ever say them, is it even possible for God not to hear our cries or prayers or questions? It's not that he can't hear them or doesn't know what we're thinking or asking. He simply refuses to engage us. The question is "why?" Why would God refuse not to engage or interact with us?
In the case of Herod in Luke 23, Jesus ignores all Herod's questions because of his motives. Herod really isn't interested in knowing God on a personal level. He's interested in debating, matching wits, coercing Jesus into performing a miracle or giving him a show of His power. Jesus simply ignored Herod's insulate attitude and behavior.
In the Ezekiel passage, God turns His back and refuses to converse with the Jewish leaders because of their rejection of Him in the past. Since they broke their promise to God, God simply said, "You don't want me to be your God, then fine, you're on your own." Since they refused to listen and obey when God revealed Himself in the past, He wasn't going to humor them or play games with them. Ezekiel went on to lay it out for them.
It's interesting to me how many people come looking for God only when they are in the deepest of trouble or they are hoping to muse their curiosity. They choose to live however they want, ignore God, His truths and then want Him to get them out of a jam. They want Him to remove the consequences of their own actions. They virtually ignore Him (even though they might go to church regularly) by their actions and behavior and then wonder why God won't act, why He remains silent. Is it really that hard to figure out?
God, my heart aches when I see the broken lives of these who have ignored you and your word. I know you love them. I know your heart aches as well. Lord, help me to proclaim your word and truths in such a way that men and women can grasp it, be drawn to it, and apply it obediently in their lives. Help me be faithful in all aspects of my life to you through your spirit.
If God already knows our thoughts before we ever say them, is it even possible for God not to hear our cries or prayers or questions? It's not that he can't hear them or doesn't know what we're thinking or asking. He simply refuses to engage us. The question is "why?" Why would God refuse not to engage or interact with us?
In the case of Herod in Luke 23, Jesus ignores all Herod's questions because of his motives. Herod really isn't interested in knowing God on a personal level. He's interested in debating, matching wits, coercing Jesus into performing a miracle or giving him a show of His power. Jesus simply ignored Herod's insulate attitude and behavior.
In the Ezekiel passage, God turns His back and refuses to converse with the Jewish leaders because of their rejection of Him in the past. Since they broke their promise to God, God simply said, "You don't want me to be your God, then fine, you're on your own." Since they refused to listen and obey when God revealed Himself in the past, He wasn't going to humor them or play games with them. Ezekiel went on to lay it out for them.
It's interesting to me how many people come looking for God only when they are in the deepest of trouble or they are hoping to muse their curiosity. They choose to live however they want, ignore God, His truths and then want Him to get them out of a jam. They want Him to remove the consequences of their own actions. They virtually ignore Him (even though they might go to church regularly) by their actions and behavior and then wonder why God won't act, why He remains silent. Is it really that hard to figure out?
God, my heart aches when I see the broken lives of these who have ignored you and your word. I know you love them. I know your heart aches as well. Lord, help me to proclaim your word and truths in such a way that men and women can grasp it, be drawn to it, and apply it obediently in their lives. Help me be faithful in all aspects of my life to you through your spirit.
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