Jesus was reluctant to turn water to wine at Cana. Then he would not heal the official's son the way the crowd wanted. Now he does not want to give a new crowd a new sign. They crossed the sea (lake) for him and are seeking after him. Yet in response to "what sign will you give us", he basically talks about entering into a faith relationship with him.
I continue to be amazed at how much we probably look like the crowd. Just think of our prayers. "Jesus, I don't know which one of these options to choose; give me a sign." "Lord, show me what to do now." "I'll stay here and not move until you indicate the best choice." It sounds spiritual but I just don't see Jesus jumping onboard.
The story within the story makes me scratch my head also. Jesus disappeared into the mountains and the disciples headed to Capernaum without him. They had all types of problems until Jesus finally joined them; then everything worked out fine. One could conclude that their error was proceeding without Jesus. The problem is that in Matthew, Jesus told them to go ahead. So concluding that they should have waited for Jesus would be to conclude that they should have been disobedient. That doesn't make any sense at all.
So putting it all together it seems that Jesus wanted to communicate to seekers and followers alike that faith in him is key. When we are just starting a conscientous spiritual walk, the first step is identifying the focus of our faith -- signs or the man Jesus? When we have been following for some time, it is just as critical to remember that obedience must always be accompanied by faith in this man.
Honestly I hate how simple that all sounds. Since I fail so miserably at the task, I want the task to sound really complicated. And of course Jesus won't let me get away with that excuse either.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
John 6:1-15; Mine or His?
Not many people every have 5000 followers, not even today in the world of "insta-publish" yourself. Yet, the number didn't seem to affect Jesus either way. The story gives no sense of urgency ("oh my, so few") or sense of success ("wow, look at how many"). Rather Jesus simply moves on with his teaching.
The crowd pursued Jesus because they had seen the signs he performed; so this is a group with good hearts. They are working hard seeking after Jesus in remote places; these are not nominal believers that are busy with other things until Sunday morning rolls around. When Jesus fed them miraculously, they were even more convinced that he was the Prophet (not "a" but "the"); their faith was solid and they were ready to commit to him. Then Jesus does the politically incorrect thing -- he leaves. He disappears into the mountains. (Note: This story has both green grass and mountains making it hard to identify with while living in west Texas!)
He knew they wanted Jesus to be their king. They could envision how he would fit into their lives and how he would lead. They had a place carved out for him and knew just how it would look with Jesus at the helm. But Jesus doesn't seem to take kindly to being placed in a box and so he left.
I wonder if this scene doesn't play out in our lives over and over. We seek Jesus, feel closer to him, grow in our faith and then seem to lose track of him. Maybe we are committing the same error as the crowd; maybe Jesus purposefully pulls back when we are ready to box him in to being "my personal savior", "my best friend", "my CEO", "my Sunday god", "my political adviser", etc. Any title we try to place on him that starts with the word "my" probably sends him retreating into the mountains again. "My" implies possession and who owns whom has always been a big deal to Jesus.
I've always thought that feeling distant from Jesus in my spiritual walk was due to sin on my part (Isaiah 59:1-2). Maybe there is more to the story though; maybe distance also comes into the relationhsip when I try to make Jesus "mine" and control him with stereotypes. Now the issue becomes figuring out which boxes I am trying to force him into and how to shift my thinking from "he is mine" to "I am his."
The crowd pursued Jesus because they had seen the signs he performed; so this is a group with good hearts. They are working hard seeking after Jesus in remote places; these are not nominal believers that are busy with other things until Sunday morning rolls around. When Jesus fed them miraculously, they were even more convinced that he was the Prophet (not "a" but "the"); their faith was solid and they were ready to commit to him. Then Jesus does the politically incorrect thing -- he leaves. He disappears into the mountains. (Note: This story has both green grass and mountains making it hard to identify with while living in west Texas!)
He knew they wanted Jesus to be their king. They could envision how he would fit into their lives and how he would lead. They had a place carved out for him and knew just how it would look with Jesus at the helm. But Jesus doesn't seem to take kindly to being placed in a box and so he left.
I wonder if this scene doesn't play out in our lives over and over. We seek Jesus, feel closer to him, grow in our faith and then seem to lose track of him. Maybe we are committing the same error as the crowd; maybe Jesus purposefully pulls back when we are ready to box him in to being "my personal savior", "my best friend", "my CEO", "my Sunday god", "my political adviser", etc. Any title we try to place on him that starts with the word "my" probably sends him retreating into the mountains again. "My" implies possession and who owns whom has always been a big deal to Jesus.
I've always thought that feeling distant from Jesus in my spiritual walk was due to sin on my part (Isaiah 59:1-2). Maybe there is more to the story though; maybe distance also comes into the relationhsip when I try to make Jesus "mine" and control him with stereotypes. Now the issue becomes figuring out which boxes I am trying to force him into and how to shift my thinking from "he is mine" to "I am his."
Thursday, June 9, 2011
John 3:1-21; Followership
It is ironic that most of the messages I have heard from this passage deal with the "born of water" portion. Was Jesus talking about baptism or physical birth? I've heard both argued and have my opinion; however, I don't think that was the point of the conversation.
The conversation was about following the Christ through spiritual rebirth. How hard that must have been for a Pharisee. How hard it still is for us. When this entire Christian thing gets boiled down to its basic ingredients, it is still simply submitting my human experience to the leadership of Jesus. It is a spiritual decision to follow the God-man Jesus.
I don't know what Nicodemus anticipated hearing from the lips of Jesus that night, but I doubt he anticipated a statement of faith ("we know you are from God") to be met with a challenge ("You must be born again"). Apparently Jesus makes a clear distinction between verbal assent and followership. Unfortunately many Christians don't seem to make the distinction while much of society does. While most Christians seem content with hearing another say, "I am a Christian", most of society wants to see followership in action. Verbal assent and kingdom living are not the same; in fact, Jesus says that if all you have is verbal assent, you have not even seen the kingdom yet.
Jesus concludes with the statement, "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." To rephrase it, "It will be obvious when someone is a true follower."
May today be spent in obvious followership and not simple verbal assent.
The conversation was about following the Christ through spiritual rebirth. How hard that must have been for a Pharisee. How hard it still is for us. When this entire Christian thing gets boiled down to its basic ingredients, it is still simply submitting my human experience to the leadership of Jesus. It is a spiritual decision to follow the God-man Jesus.
I don't know what Nicodemus anticipated hearing from the lips of Jesus that night, but I doubt he anticipated a statement of faith ("we know you are from God") to be met with a challenge ("You must be born again"). Apparently Jesus makes a clear distinction between verbal assent and followership. Unfortunately many Christians don't seem to make the distinction while much of society does. While most Christians seem content with hearing another say, "I am a Christian", most of society wants to see followership in action. Verbal assent and kingdom living are not the same; in fact, Jesus says that if all you have is verbal assent, you have not even seen the kingdom yet.
Jesus concludes with the statement, "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." To rephrase it, "It will be obvious when someone is a true follower."
May today be spent in obvious followership and not simple verbal assent.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Acts 10:9-48; Next Level
Peter had a very strange vision for a Jew. God was telling him that one of the most important things he had believed all his life was wrong. He was saying that one of the key distinguishing features for which he and his people were known should not exist. It would be like having a vision that God did not want us to participate in communion anymore. Is it any wonder that Peter was perplexed? (I find it comical that he was so lost in thought that the Spirit had to speak to him again just to get him to go downstairs and open the door.)
Two days later Peter entered the house of a non-Jew and explained his vision. Basically he said, "Its ok for me to enter your house; God gave me a vision that permits it." Only later did he really understand the significance of the vision and confessed, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."
It seems like God has this pattern of pointing out something in our lives, letting us think we have developed it and then taking it to a new level we did not anticipate. Joseph became a good household manager, then prison manager and then prime minister. David was a good shepherd, then military leader and then king. John was dedicated to his brother, then to Jesus (even during his trial and crucifixion) and then to the church (becoming known as the apostle of love). I became aware of my prejudices, then was given a roommate of a different race and then became a missionary. I learned to be evangelistic in the dorms, then became a missionary and now train mission teams.
Here is what excites me, i.e., you never know what characteristic God is going to take to the next level. Just when it seems we have life figured out, God shows up with new opportunities. It is humbling to take a new step and realize how little I was doing before. It is faith-building to take a new step and see God show up to secure my footing. It is exciting to take a new step and realize that I can still grow. I wonder what the next step will be?
Two days later Peter entered the house of a non-Jew and explained his vision. Basically he said, "Its ok for me to enter your house; God gave me a vision that permits it." Only later did he really understand the significance of the vision and confessed, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."
It seems like God has this pattern of pointing out something in our lives, letting us think we have developed it and then taking it to a new level we did not anticipate. Joseph became a good household manager, then prison manager and then prime minister. David was a good shepherd, then military leader and then king. John was dedicated to his brother, then to Jesus (even during his trial and crucifixion) and then to the church (becoming known as the apostle of love). I became aware of my prejudices, then was given a roommate of a different race and then became a missionary. I learned to be evangelistic in the dorms, then became a missionary and now train mission teams.
Here is what excites me, i.e., you never know what characteristic God is going to take to the next level. Just when it seems we have life figured out, God shows up with new opportunities. It is humbling to take a new step and realize how little I was doing before. It is faith-building to take a new step and see God show up to secure my footing. It is exciting to take a new step and realize that I can still grow. I wonder what the next step will be?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Acts 9:31-43; More Greatness
Now that I have read through the rest of the chapter I lament that I did not include this section in yesterday's thoughts. As I thought more about greatness and the "little people of insignificance" that lie behind those we know well, I began to realize just how common it was. Recognition truly falls to only a few; this section is another great example.
Peter had traveled out of Jerusalem (but not out of Judah) to visit other Jewish Christians. When we read the story of his time in Joppa, we walk away remembering the name of Peter and the name of the lady Tabitha that he healed. But I think more lies behind the scenes.
In Venezuela we lived in a hot city; a cold winter night was 70 and a hot summer day was 115. In our city, embalming was very expensive. There were not many funeral homes and the process was so costly and inefficient that it was rare that a complete embalming would be performed. So when a person passed away, a "partial" embalming was performed that would at least slow down the decay process a little. Most bodies were then taken home to lie in state in people's living rooms. If the family was lower middle or poor class, there would be no AC in the house and ice would be placed under the table holding the body to again delay decay. Even with all that work, the body would start to deform, ooze or do other ugly things in 24 hours.
Now flashback to Tabitha who lived in a port city (modern day Tel Aviv) and who would not have had any embalming at all. Her body would have decayed very fast, producing an intolerable situation for those who loved her. Yet, they delayed. They heard Peter was in a nearby town and they sent for him. Would the messengers find him? Would he come? Would he delay? Would he be willing to do anything once he arrived? Yet, they sent for him and waited with the body.
We don't know the names of a single person involved in that decision. A decision that defied logic and culture. A decision that put the family name at risk. A decision of faith. Yet we know the name of Tabitha and the work of Peter. They achieved greatness in our memories. Without the acts of faith of the family, however, no healing would have occurred. But they did act. Tabitha would remember that all her life. The friends, family and neighbors would never forget. And God surely remembered each one by name . . . the names of people of great faith.
Peter had traveled out of Jerusalem (but not out of Judah) to visit other Jewish Christians. When we read the story of his time in Joppa, we walk away remembering the name of Peter and the name of the lady Tabitha that he healed. But I think more lies behind the scenes.
In Venezuela we lived in a hot city; a cold winter night was 70 and a hot summer day was 115. In our city, embalming was very expensive. There were not many funeral homes and the process was so costly and inefficient that it was rare that a complete embalming would be performed. So when a person passed away, a "partial" embalming was performed that would at least slow down the decay process a little. Most bodies were then taken home to lie in state in people's living rooms. If the family was lower middle or poor class, there would be no AC in the house and ice would be placed under the table holding the body to again delay decay. Even with all that work, the body would start to deform, ooze or do other ugly things in 24 hours.
Now flashback to Tabitha who lived in a port city (modern day Tel Aviv) and who would not have had any embalming at all. Her body would have decayed very fast, producing an intolerable situation for those who loved her. Yet, they delayed. They heard Peter was in a nearby town and they sent for him. Would the messengers find him? Would he come? Would he delay? Would he be willing to do anything once he arrived? Yet, they sent for him and waited with the body.
We don't know the names of a single person involved in that decision. A decision that defied logic and culture. A decision that put the family name at risk. A decision of faith. Yet we know the name of Tabitha and the work of Peter. They achieved greatness in our memories. Without the acts of faith of the family, however, no healing would have occurred. But they did act. Tabitha would remember that all her life. The friends, family and neighbors would never forget. And God surely remembered each one by name . . . the names of people of great faith.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Joshua 24; Looking back
Looking back, Joshua traced of God's work among his people. It was faith building and challenging. If I did the same, it might sound like this.
Generations ago my ancestors were led to pursue God. A great-grandfather I never knew raised his family as part of a new religious movement called the Stone-Campbell movement. His son Mack was upstanding and gentle. God placed a song in his heart which he always sang or whistled. His daughter met and married a man who was quite head-strong but who would eventually become part of the same movement. Though he struggled with bringing some aspects of his life into submission before God, he raised his children to seek the Lord. As a teenager I pleaded with the Lord for two things, i.e., to find a good wife and to find a congregation that lived out New Testament discipleship. In answer to this, I was admitted to veterinary school earlier than anticipated; my roommates led me to a congregation that focused upon the discipleship of university students. There I met and married Frances, the greatest blessing of my life. As a veterinarian, God birthed a restlessness inside me that eventually led me to language school in Costa Rica, religious studies in Memphis and church planting in Venezuela. When the local church was mature and needed the opportunity for local leaders to rise up, he led me to Abilene Christian University to continue to live out the implications of the missional restlessness that he gave me as a younger man. Now I spend my days serving in an institution that I did not build and raising four wonderful children. My time is dedicated to passing on missional restlessness to a new generation with the hope that they will seek God and be the answer to someone else's prayers.
Generations ago my ancestors were led to pursue God. A great-grandfather I never knew raised his family as part of a new religious movement called the Stone-Campbell movement. His son Mack was upstanding and gentle. God placed a song in his heart which he always sang or whistled. His daughter met and married a man who was quite head-strong but who would eventually become part of the same movement. Though he struggled with bringing some aspects of his life into submission before God, he raised his children to seek the Lord. As a teenager I pleaded with the Lord for two things, i.e., to find a good wife and to find a congregation that lived out New Testament discipleship. In answer to this, I was admitted to veterinary school earlier than anticipated; my roommates led me to a congregation that focused upon the discipleship of university students. There I met and married Frances, the greatest blessing of my life. As a veterinarian, God birthed a restlessness inside me that eventually led me to language school in Costa Rica, religious studies in Memphis and church planting in Venezuela. When the local church was mature and needed the opportunity for local leaders to rise up, he led me to Abilene Christian University to continue to live out the implications of the missional restlessness that he gave me as a younger man. Now I spend my days serving in an institution that I did not build and raising four wonderful children. My time is dedicated to passing on missional restlessness to a new generation with the hope that they will seek God and be the answer to someone else's prayers.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Joshua 14; Wholeheartedly
Who wouldn't have followed Caleb into battle? He probably looked like grandpa to most of the soldiers but his heart was vigorous. His heart was still fully convicted of what God would do. In the text it says three times he followed "wholeheartedly" and that he spoke "according to my convictions."
Many people follow but few follow wholeheartedly. Likewise many look at life but few see via their convictions. The day Caleb spied the land, he had on a different set of glasses than anyone else. It caused him to see opportunity, fulfilled promises and blessings from God. Others could not see it; they died for their lack of vision. Caleb, however, still had the same vision. The oldest man in camp knew that the cities were fortified and large. Yet he saw them through the eyes of faith.
So what convictions adjust my vision? Am I convicted of God's love for people and therefore view others as loved regardless of who they are? Am I convicted of the destructiveness of sin and therefore fight against it? Am I convicted that there is a spiritual dimension to life that is unseen yet very real and therefore stay alert spiritually at all times? A wholehearted follower of God would. A wholehearted follower has a reason to be excited about life's possibilities which others call challenges or obstacles. To a wholehearted follower, life is pregnant with possibilities no matter what others say, no matter the circumstances and no matter the age. Since his convictions come from his heart, they are totally within his control. With that being the case, none of us have reason to let circumstances dishearten us; rather our hearts determine our convictions about our circumstances.
Many people follow but few follow wholeheartedly. Likewise many look at life but few see via their convictions. The day Caleb spied the land, he had on a different set of glasses than anyone else. It caused him to see opportunity, fulfilled promises and blessings from God. Others could not see it; they died for their lack of vision. Caleb, however, still had the same vision. The oldest man in camp knew that the cities were fortified and large. Yet he saw them through the eyes of faith.
So what convictions adjust my vision? Am I convicted of God's love for people and therefore view others as loved regardless of who they are? Am I convicted of the destructiveness of sin and therefore fight against it? Am I convicted that there is a spiritual dimension to life that is unseen yet very real and therefore stay alert spiritually at all times? A wholehearted follower of God would. A wholehearted follower has a reason to be excited about life's possibilities which others call challenges or obstacles. To a wholehearted follower, life is pregnant with possibilities no matter what others say, no matter the circumstances and no matter the age. Since his convictions come from his heart, they are totally within his control. With that being the case, none of us have reason to let circumstances dishearten us; rather our hearts determine our convictions about our circumstances.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Joshua 13; Levite Land
"But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them." Something in that statement is so very spiritual and something in that statement stirs the depths of my carnal nature.
What a blessing that the tribe of Levi had. They were allowed to serve God more directly and intimately than anyone else. They were given the privilege of being one curtain away from his presence. They were his ambassadors to the people and the people's representatives before Him. Yet they had no land, no permanent source of income apart from the offerings of the people. Would it be enough? What if the affection of the people waned?
As a veterinarian turned missionary, I've lived both sides of this. It is indeed a privilege and a pleasure to spend more time than most in the pursuit of God. It can also produce anxiety when "offerings" struggle. But perhaps that is the greatest blessing in disguise. Somehow God always comes through to take care of our needs. Whether great or small, it always works out. Maybe that is one of the reasons behind not giving land to the Levites, i.e., he wanted them to walk by faith daily. Just as they arose daily in the desert to pick up manna, they would attend to his needs at the temple and he would take care of them daily via what they could not control. Surely anything that pushes us to walk by faith on a daily basis is a blessing in disguise, even if it possessing less security than others.
What a blessing that the tribe of Levi had. They were allowed to serve God more directly and intimately than anyone else. They were given the privilege of being one curtain away from his presence. They were his ambassadors to the people and the people's representatives before Him. Yet they had no land, no permanent source of income apart from the offerings of the people. Would it be enough? What if the affection of the people waned?
As a veterinarian turned missionary, I've lived both sides of this. It is indeed a privilege and a pleasure to spend more time than most in the pursuit of God. It can also produce anxiety when "offerings" struggle. But perhaps that is the greatest blessing in disguise. Somehow God always comes through to take care of our needs. Whether great or small, it always works out. Maybe that is one of the reasons behind not giving land to the Levites, i.e., he wanted them to walk by faith daily. Just as they arose daily in the desert to pick up manna, they would attend to his needs at the temple and he would take care of them daily via what they could not control. Surely anything that pushes us to walk by faith on a daily basis is a blessing in disguise, even if it possessing less security than others.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Joshua 5:1-12; Halfway
It strikes me how the manna stopped the day after they had their first food in the Promised Land. For decades they awakened every morning to step out of a tent and find their food on the ground waiting for them. Now a new day had dawned and they could eat the variety of food offered by this new land. Of course, that probably didn't go over well with the local people that grew it!
And so Israel entered into an odd "halfway" lifestyle. Yes they were in the Promised Land and the desert nomad life was behind them. They could build homes and enjoy its food. God had delivered them and made good on his promise. Yet they still had work to do. They had to conquer entire nations, build or rebuild homes to live in and then learn to become farmers. They were in the Promised Land but not yet free from responsibility.
It seems like a great prototype for God's church today. God has made good on his promise of redemption by already sending Jesus. He has pulled his people together into community, given his Spirit to us and guarantees continued life with him. Yet we are not free from responsibilities like conquering our attitudes and/or behaviors, dealing with pain and putting in our part to build relationships.
Probably leaving the desert behind to move into a rich hill country was a stark change that affected every facet of their life. Still I wonder if after a few months or years, did they forget that they were in the Promised Land like we forget that we are different from most around us? Did they speak out against the Land the way many of us speak out against the Lord? Did they long to go back to the desert for direct food from God the way some of us long to have lived in the days of Jesus so that we would not have to work to understand the will of God?
It is easy for us to look down on the Israelites for how they grew stale in their faith once they lived in the "halfway world of the Promised Land"; I wonder what they would say about us?
And so Israel entered into an odd "halfway" lifestyle. Yes they were in the Promised Land and the desert nomad life was behind them. They could build homes and enjoy its food. God had delivered them and made good on his promise. Yet they still had work to do. They had to conquer entire nations, build or rebuild homes to live in and then learn to become farmers. They were in the Promised Land but not yet free from responsibility.
It seems like a great prototype for God's church today. God has made good on his promise of redemption by already sending Jesus. He has pulled his people together into community, given his Spirit to us and guarantees continued life with him. Yet we are not free from responsibilities like conquering our attitudes and/or behaviors, dealing with pain and putting in our part to build relationships.
Probably leaving the desert behind to move into a rich hill country was a stark change that affected every facet of their life. Still I wonder if after a few months or years, did they forget that they were in the Promised Land like we forget that we are different from most around us? Did they speak out against the Land the way many of us speak out against the Lord? Did they long to go back to the desert for direct food from God the way some of us long to have lived in the days of Jesus so that we would not have to work to understand the will of God?
It is easy for us to look down on the Israelites for how they grew stale in their faith once they lived in the "halfway world of the Promised Land"; I wonder what they would say about us?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Joshua 1:10-18; Courageous
God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. He could have told him to be humble or be patient or be caring. All are Godly traits. Yet he commanded strength and courage. Perhaps Joshua was timid or passive. Perhaps it was simply the position Joshua was in, i.e., the needs of the people at the moment. Or perhaps it was more about God.
If God was going to be able to help his people in the same way that he had helped them before, he needed the opportunity to show up. If Joshua was passive or indecisive, then there would not be a chance for God to perform any great works through him. How can God reward faith and step boldly into our lives if we do not take any risks? If we are always in control of life and never place ourselves in a vulnerable situation, then how will God have the chance to manifest himself?
So God called Joshua to strength and courage; surely he wants the same in his people today. Surely he wants the chance to manifest himself in us, i.e., to be seen as the one true God who is still actively at work in his people. Yet what chances does he get? We cherish security and work to eliminate risks, even developing "risk management" offices and seminars. But why would God ever show up in a life where we have taken total control and never step out in bold faith? Surely God smiled when Joshua walked away from his meeting with God and proclaimed "in three days we cross the river to take possession of the land." Soon God would split the Jordan river, tumble Jericho without a fight and become the focus of every resident for miles around. All the results of Joshua's courageous faith.
Surely there are rivers to cross and strongholds to tumble in my world that are God-sized jobs. The question is will I be courageous enough to give God the opportunity to show up?
If God was going to be able to help his people in the same way that he had helped them before, he needed the opportunity to show up. If Joshua was passive or indecisive, then there would not be a chance for God to perform any great works through him. How can God reward faith and step boldly into our lives if we do not take any risks? If we are always in control of life and never place ourselves in a vulnerable situation, then how will God have the chance to manifest himself?
So God called Joshua to strength and courage; surely he wants the same in his people today. Surely he wants the chance to manifest himself in us, i.e., to be seen as the one true God who is still actively at work in his people. Yet what chances does he get? We cherish security and work to eliminate risks, even developing "risk management" offices and seminars. But why would God ever show up in a life where we have taken total control and never step out in bold faith? Surely God smiled when Joshua walked away from his meeting with God and proclaimed "in three days we cross the river to take possession of the land." Soon God would split the Jordan river, tumble Jericho without a fight and become the focus of every resident for miles around. All the results of Joshua's courageous faith.
Surely there are rivers to cross and strongholds to tumble in my world that are God-sized jobs. The question is will I be courageous enough to give God the opportunity to show up?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mark 14:66-72; Mosquito Moments
I think all of us like to think that we are generally good people. We like to believe that it would take something catastrophic to shake our faith. We even imagine that in those "big" moments we will rise up with an equally "big" response. Maybe that is why it seems so fitting that it was a servant girl that caused Peter so much trouble. She was not the high priest or a teacher of the law. She was more like a nagging mosquito that would not go away; the kind that just buzz around your ear when you are sitting by a fire trying to enjoy the evening. You swat at them but never hit them. You dodge, duck and change places but they keep pestering you. Peter denied her accusation and changed places as well; the nagging little girl found him again and started over. Eventually, Peter lost it.
Rarely am I confronted with major conflict that demands a "big" response in faith. I have never stood before a mob that wanted to kill me for my faith. I have rarely had to defend my understanding to a gathered crowd. But life seems to be filled with mosquito moments. A bad day when I can't seem to get anything done, a morning filled with computer glitches, an evening of high demands and low energy all are mosquito moments when my faith can wear thin. They seem to irritate their way under my faith skin and eventually cause a meltdown reaction.
Honestly, life is filled with many more mosquito moments than big challenges. My prayer is to have the wisdom to recognize them early and respond in appropriate ways rather than have a faith meltdown like Peter.
Rarely am I confronted with major conflict that demands a "big" response in faith. I have never stood before a mob that wanted to kill me for my faith. I have rarely had to defend my understanding to a gathered crowd. But life seems to be filled with mosquito moments. A bad day when I can't seem to get anything done, a morning filled with computer glitches, an evening of high demands and low energy all are mosquito moments when my faith can wear thin. They seem to irritate their way under my faith skin and eventually cause a meltdown reaction.
Honestly, life is filled with many more mosquito moments than big challenges. My prayer is to have the wisdom to recognize them early and respond in appropriate ways rather than have a faith meltdown like Peter.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Mark 12:28-37; Sincere Faith
Just when we think that Jesus was an anti-institutional rebel, he throws a curve ball at us.
It is popular today to denounce the institutional church for her faults. Yes, there are many but at the same time, all is not lost. Jesus was confronted by the religious leaders of his day and indeed they had many faults as well. Yet, he stopped to recognize honest, sincere faith. Did he approve of the egocentrism of the teachers of the law? Obviously not from what follows. Yet he did not condemn the good hearts of those who worked within the system.
My children and my grandchildren will one day stand in judgment over my efforts to teach and guide. Will they see a man who conformed to the religious norms of his day or one who was swept along by the anti-institutional trends of the times? Will they see a conformist or a confrontationalist? Hopefully they will see neither since Jesus was neither. Hopefully they will see an honest man who recognized and honored sincere faith in whatever situation he encountered it.
It is popular today to denounce the institutional church for her faults. Yes, there are many but at the same time, all is not lost. Jesus was confronted by the religious leaders of his day and indeed they had many faults as well. Yet, he stopped to recognize honest, sincere faith. Did he approve of the egocentrism of the teachers of the law? Obviously not from what follows. Yet he did not condemn the good hearts of those who worked within the system.
My children and my grandchildren will one day stand in judgment over my efforts to teach and guide. Will they see a man who conformed to the religious norms of his day or one who was swept along by the anti-institutional trends of the times? Will they see a conformist or a confrontationalist? Hopefully they will see neither since Jesus was neither. Hopefully they will see an honest man who recognized and honored sincere faith in whatever situation he encountered it.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Mark 5:21-42; New World
Jesus seemed to live in a different reality. He seemed to see things in spiritual ways that others could not. Those who entered that world with him were very blessed; but not many entered it. After all, new worlds usually don't feel very safe.
A crowd of people bumped into him and touched him. Yet only one person touched him in a way that connected. When it happened the All-Knowing made sure everyone was aware of it. I wonder how many of us go to church or join the masses living as "Christians" but really we are only bumping into him -- not really connecting.
Then there was the father who had a very special need and came to connect with Jesus. When the bad news arrives, the text says that Jesus overheard or ignored the news (depending on the translation). At any rate the implication is that it was not spoken to him. His response was to call the father to not lose his faith based upon only that which is seen. He called the dad to hope against hope based upon a worldview that was exclusive to God. How much faith did it take for that dad to walk home with Jesus? How did he feel when Jesus sent the mourners away? If Jesus failed him, he would have been disgraced.
For both the sick lady and the desperate father, Jesus offered a new world. In the crowd that day, only those two entered into a new reality -- God's reality. What will it take for me to do the same?
A crowd of people bumped into him and touched him. Yet only one person touched him in a way that connected. When it happened the All-Knowing made sure everyone was aware of it. I wonder how many of us go to church or join the masses living as "Christians" but really we are only bumping into him -- not really connecting.
Then there was the father who had a very special need and came to connect with Jesus. When the bad news arrives, the text says that Jesus overheard or ignored the news (depending on the translation). At any rate the implication is that it was not spoken to him. His response was to call the father to not lose his faith based upon only that which is seen. He called the dad to hope against hope based upon a worldview that was exclusive to God. How much faith did it take for that dad to walk home with Jesus? How did he feel when Jesus sent the mourners away? If Jesus failed him, he would have been disgraced.
For both the sick lady and the desperate father, Jesus offered a new world. In the crowd that day, only those two entered into a new reality -- God's reality. What will it take for me to do the same?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Mark 4:26-41; The Faith Question
The contrasting questions are interesting. The apostles ask Jesus (God), "Don't you care if we drown?" He asks them "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
"Do you care?" is answered with "Do you have faith?"
I think the same conversation is still going on today. I hear myself asking God is he cares about my friends who are suffering, my family struggles and my major decisions. I can only imagine that he is asking back "Do you still have no faith?"
The silence of God bothers us. We want answers before the problems come so that we avoid the problems. We want him to act as the problems first start to build, not wait until they are flowing in over the side and about to swamp us. We want him to act so that we don't have to have faith.
Yet if Schwietzer was right when he said that "relationship is the only thing", then instead of concern for X situation, my concern should be about God in X situation. What does he want from me in this moment? What do I need to do in this circumstance to honor him? How do I demonstrate faith in him now? How do I act so that he won't ask me again, "Do you still have no faith?"
"Do you care?" is answered with "Do you have faith?"
I think the same conversation is still going on today. I hear myself asking God is he cares about my friends who are suffering, my family struggles and my major decisions. I can only imagine that he is asking back "Do you still have no faith?"
The silence of God bothers us. We want answers before the problems come so that we avoid the problems. We want him to act as the problems first start to build, not wait until they are flowing in over the side and about to swamp us. We want him to act so that we don't have to have faith.
Yet if Schwietzer was right when he said that "relationship is the only thing", then instead of concern for X situation, my concern should be about God in X situation. What does he want from me in this moment? What do I need to do in this circumstance to honor him? How do I demonstrate faith in him now? How do I act so that he won't ask me again, "Do you still have no faith?"
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Mark 1:40-45; Risk
Many things amaze me about this story. The faith of the leper was impressive. He basically stated his total confidence in the power of Jesus and said the prayer that Jesus said in the garden, i.e., "your will be done." Jesus reached out and touched the man before saying a word. It should have made him unclean as well; every person standing there probably held his / her breath. What would happen to the great teacher if he contracted leprosy? Five words later the man was redeemed. It was more than healing his skin, it was giving him life again. He could leave the caves, reconnect with family and resume his place in society. With his touch and his words, Jesus radically transformed the man and touched everyone he knew.
The leper took a chance in approaching Jesus. Every other Jew would have rejected him. He knew he was breaking the Levitical law in approaching Jesus. Yet he came.
Jesus took a chance in touching the man. He knew that contracting an infectious disease would end his ministry. Yet before saying a word, he touched the man.
Risk. Society, tradition and fear all tell us to avoid it. Yet both characters in this story took a chance. And a miracle resulted. Being vulnerable, taking a chance is to give room for God to work. Without taking a chance, we have no hope of a miracle story. I wonder how many lives will NOT be touched today because we will not take a chance.
The leper took a chance in approaching Jesus. Every other Jew would have rejected him. He knew he was breaking the Levitical law in approaching Jesus. Yet he came.
Jesus took a chance in touching the man. He knew that contracting an infectious disease would end his ministry. Yet before saying a word, he touched the man.
Risk. Society, tradition and fear all tell us to avoid it. Yet both characters in this story took a chance. And a miracle resulted. Being vulnerable, taking a chance is to give room for God to work. Without taking a chance, we have no hope of a miracle story. I wonder how many lives will NOT be touched today because we will not take a chance.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Romans 16:20-27; Obedience of faith
The book begins and ends with the same concept, i.e., obedience of faith. Chapter 1:5 and 16:26 both have the phrase. All the rest has been commentary. This is the goal of the message, that is, to move us to obedience of faith.
My mind instantly shifted that to say "faithful obedience" but maybe that is not the same. Faithful obedience seems to feel like "sticking it out and always being obedient no matter what happens". Yet obedience of faith seems to strike me more as obedience that flows from faith. Rather than gritting it out in obedience, it seems we have been given revelation that inspires a belief that is compelling enough to move us to action. Obedience flows from faith. Rather than focusing on obedience, the focus is on faith which is simply manifest in obedience.
Somehow we seem to do well at obedience because its "right" and faith which has no actions. I sometimes wonder if the early followers of Jesus would recognize us by our lives or not.
My mind instantly shifted that to say "faithful obedience" but maybe that is not the same. Faithful obedience seems to feel like "sticking it out and always being obedient no matter what happens". Yet obedience of faith seems to strike me more as obedience that flows from faith. Rather than gritting it out in obedience, it seems we have been given revelation that inspires a belief that is compelling enough to move us to action. Obedience flows from faith. Rather than focusing on obedience, the focus is on faith which is simply manifest in obedience.
Somehow we seem to do well at obedience because its "right" and faith which has no actions. I sometimes wonder if the early followers of Jesus would recognize us by our lives or not.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Romans 12:3-21; Faith Response
All of life is a faith act. Our self view is to be an act of faith. The way we respond in good times and in bad is to be an act of faith. Faith involves every aspect of life.
Evil, suffering, the needs of others, persecution, social structure and injustice are all mentioned in this passage. Rather than expound on any one of these, Paul was led to clump them together. In each case, his concern is responding in faith to the grace given us. Rather than react to pain and evil, I am to respond to grace. Rather than get angry or attack, I am to respond to grace. Every situation in life is to be a response to grace.
If all Christians lived every minute of every day as a response to grace rather than limiting Christianity to a Sunday assembly, I wonder what our society would think of Christians and how different our world would be?
Evil, suffering, the needs of others, persecution, social structure and injustice are all mentioned in this passage. Rather than expound on any one of these, Paul was led to clump them together. In each case, his concern is responding in faith to the grace given us. Rather than react to pain and evil, I am to respond to grace. Rather than get angry or attack, I am to respond to grace. Every situation in life is to be a response to grace.
If all Christians lived every minute of every day as a response to grace rather than limiting Christianity to a Sunday assembly, I wonder what our society would think of Christians and how different our world would be?
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Romans 4:18-25; Faith
Over time it seems we make being a follower of Christ something that is about our ability to perform. It becomes all about how good I am. Like it or not, I am just wired to focus on how I behave and, therefore, on how others behave also. Yet, everything in this passage is not about behave but rather about believe.
It was Abraham's belief that caused him to behave in ways totally incongruent with the facts. He knew his behavior could never result in a child at his age. Yet, he believed anyway. It seems to be a child-like trust he had in God. It was a trust that decided to believe even though every reason and behavior said otherwise.
We all act on faith; no matter who we are. We act on our faith in the laws of nature, or in our experience or in trusted people. Truly life comes down to faith in the right entity. Rather than have faith in his eyes and understanding of life, Abraham chose faith in an unseen God.
May I choose wisely and faithfully today.
It was Abraham's belief that caused him to behave in ways totally incongruent with the facts. He knew his behavior could never result in a child at his age. Yet, he believed anyway. It seems to be a child-like trust he had in God. It was a trust that decided to believe even though every reason and behavior said otherwise.
We all act on faith; no matter who we are. We act on our faith in the laws of nature, or in our experience or in trusted people. Truly life comes down to faith in the right entity. Rather than have faith in his eyes and understanding of life, Abraham chose faith in an unseen God.
May I choose wisely and faithfully today.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Romans 3:21-31; Faith only
My wife and I had a long conversation yesterday about church attendance. It was the "does this count" conversation. Is it church when you go to a devo, small group, house church, etc? It seems that most of us Christians have exchanged a focus on living out faith in Christi Monday through Saturday with showing up at a location on Sunday. Somehow being in a building on Sunday has become synonymous with being a Christian. In order to embrace that belief we prioritize one hour on Sunday over all other behavior. Perhaps worse we substitute one action over the internal work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. I think Paul would argue that we have gone back to observing law over holding to faith. We have reverted to evaluating each other based upon an unwritten rule rather than looking at the heart and soul of a person to see how shaped in the image of God they are.
How hard it is to not only live by faith but to use only the rule of faith to evaluate all of life.
How hard it is to not only live by faith but to use only the rule of faith to evaluate all of life.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Romans 1:8-17; By Faith
Two sections stand out to me. First, Paul calls God himself as a witness to Paul's faithfulness in prayer for the people of Rome that he has not yet met. What a conviction to pray. How often to I tell someone "I'll pray for you" and then forget? How easy it is to not be diligent in praying for even those I love.
Then Paul makes the statement that "in the gospels a righteousness from God is revealed; a righteousness that is by faith from first to last. Just as it is written the righteous will live by faith."
I grew up reading the gospels and hearing the story over and over. Yet somehow I heard it not as the revelation of a life of faith but as how to perfectly live in order to fulfill requirements. I heard it as the new law. It was still a law but it was a better one than the previous Old Testement. Yet Paul refers to it as revelation. The revelation of a new way to live that is totally unrelated to law.
Reading Paul's comment makes me want to repent. It makes me want to start over. To read and re-read the story until it is clearer to me that this in not a "how to" manual for perfect life before a lawmaking God but rather this is the revelation of the righteousness from God to us.
Then Paul makes the statement that "in the gospels a righteousness from God is revealed; a righteousness that is by faith from first to last. Just as it is written the righteous will live by faith."
I grew up reading the gospels and hearing the story over and over. Yet somehow I heard it not as the revelation of a life of faith but as how to perfectly live in order to fulfill requirements. I heard it as the new law. It was still a law but it was a better one than the previous Old Testement. Yet Paul refers to it as revelation. The revelation of a new way to live that is totally unrelated to law.
Reading Paul's comment makes me want to repent. It makes me want to start over. To read and re-read the story until it is clearer to me that this in not a "how to" manual for perfect life before a lawmaking God but rather this is the revelation of the righteousness from God to us.
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