Eternal Dividends

Still as of old -

Men by themselves are priced -

For thirty pieces Judas sold

- Himself, not Christ.

By Hester H. Cholmondeley

They say that if you really want to know where a person’s true values lie, just take a look at his/her check book. In the 21st and 22nd chapters of Luke we get to do just that. One shows a debit of two mites while the other reveals a credit of thirty silver coins. Both are very telling.

The poor widow in chapter 21 placed her two copper coins in the Temple Treasury just like everyone else. However, while others gave out of the overflow of their abundance, she, out of the depth of her poverty gave all the living that she had. What appeared to be a small offering would most likely cost her a meal or two that otherwise might have dulled her gnawing hunger pains, a few more sticks of firewood to keep her warm a couple of hours longer, or “the car fare,” to save her a few extra miles walk that week. The rich men’s larger gifts would cost them nothing – the expense wouldn’t alter their lifestyle in the least. (And you can be sure they were going to claim it as a tax-deductible donation at the end of their fiscal year).

The rich men gave in such a way as to call attention to their “generosity,” while it was the widow, attempting to remain anonymous, who unwittingly attracted the attention of Jesus, his disciples and a great multitude of the heavenly host (no doubt). It wasn’t so much what they gave, but how and why they gave it, that made God notice and revealed what they truly valued. The woman, in giving, gave of herself to the Lord. The others kept back the very thing that God treasured most – their hearts. One was an offering to the Lord, the other was practically an insult to Him.

In the next chapter, we read the story of Judas Iscariot, one of the Lord’s disciples and close friends. Interestingly, most of the passages referring to him have some connection with money. Now when it comes to “givers and takers,” he definitely would fit best in the taker category – a trait that he carefully nurtured over time until it drove him to commit the unthinkable. He was the one who was in charge of the group’s finances and had possession of the money bag, from which he evidently helped himself from time to time. At the feast held to honor Jesus for raising Lazarus from the dead, it was Judas who voiced his objection when Mary broke the alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it out on Jesus as an act of selfless worship.

“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?” (Jn. 12:5,6) thus proving again that he “knew the cost of everything, but the value of nothing.” At the Last Supper, upon leaving, the disciples assumed that he was going to give some money to the poor as they were accustomed to doing. By all outward appearances, Judas was a responsible and trustworthy steward of the Lord’s resources. However, Jesus knew better.

I’ve often wondered how Judas got away with stealing from the apostles’ purse. I imagine the first time he did it, he must have been very nervous around Jesus, but for some reason, Jesus never mentioned it. It became easier the next time… and the next. Jesus’ teaching against greed and the love of money was very plain. Judas surely knew what he was doing was wrong, but since he was never called out on it, he concluded that it couldn’t be that bad after all. When the word of God is clear, conviction isn’t necessary - the Lord expects us to obey. Little by little, Judas became less interested in the inward rule of God’s Kingdom, and more and more obsessed with natural deliverance from the Romans and the material benefits he could look forward to as one of Christ’s “conquering Apostles.” Constant yielding to the flesh has a subtle way of warping our priorities and twisting our values. Remember, it’s often the little foxes that spoil the vine.

What is it that we seem to be getting away with at the present? God may be blessing and using us in His service, but still there are areas in our lives where we need to repent. Don’t ignore them or underestimate their significance. Learn to act on the Word of God, not your feelings. The flesh is always looking to take over. Only a life fully surrendered to Jesus is safe from the strongholds Satan wants to establish in our lives. When we, like the widow, give what we can out of our love for God, we can be sure that God, out of His love for us, will surely do the same.

Prayer: Omniscient Father, You know us better than we know ourselves. Help us, first of all, to give You our hearts, and then to give out of love for You.

Balance Matters

I never quite understood the connection between balance and the function of the inner ear. My Google search informs me that there are several fluid-filled ear canals that, in conjunction with hair cells, help monitor the position of the head in relation to gravity and linear motion. (i.e. - moving up and down or forward or back). All I know is that an inner ear infection can “throw you for a loop” in more ways than one.  Jesus understood the connection all too well. This becomes clear as we consider his conversation with the religious leaders in Luke 20. 

His enemies were always looking for an opportunity to “push him off balance” by making him say something that could get him into trouble with the authorities or discredit him before the people. In this chapter the Pharisees questioned him as to whether or not they should pay taxes to Caesar, while the Sadducees tried to make him look foolish for believing in the Resurrection. However, it turns out that they were the ones who were incapable of walking a straight line. The wisdom Jesus demonstrated in both cases revealed how poorly they grasped God’s true purpose over us, and the gross imbalance between their interpretation of Scripture and understanding of the power of God.  

Regarding God’s purpose... They were leaning in the wrong direction, being more concerned about what Ceasar required of them than what God had a right to claim. We, bearing His image, rightfully belong to Him. We were created in such a way to enable us to share an intimate relationship with our Creator and experience the wonders of His love. Our greater concern ought to be “What does God require of me?” and “How can I surrender myself fully to Him?"  

Concerning the issue of life after death, their imbalance was caused by their refusal to believe in the supernatural, thus affecting their interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. As a result, they came up with some ridiculously over-exaggerated scenario concerning a woman who outlived her seven husbands. “Whose shall she be in the Resurrection seeing that all seven had her?”  Jesus masterfully turned their so-called wisdom into utter foolishness with the use of one little word - “is.” Moses, standing before the burning bush refers to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at a time when each of them were already deceased. He doesn’t say that He was their God, but that He is, implying that they are still very much alive. “For He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live unto Him.” Jesus also teaches that by the power of the Almighty we shall be made immortal, and in Heaven, our relationships shall become even closer than our closest earthly ties. We who believe in the Verbal Plenary inspiration of the Bible believe that not only the thoughts, but the very words of scripture were specifically chosen by God Himself, and each word is important. 

The question we should be asking ourselves is, “How is it with my inner ear?” Our Great Physician is an ear, nose and throat specialist to put it mildly. He alone can diagnose and cure the infections of ignorance, bias or unbelief that hinder us from walking the straight and narrow path that leads to life.  

There are two exhortations that we are given in God’s Word that we need to take heed to especially in these days of confusion and deception:  “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” (Luke 8:8) and “Take care then how you hear.” (Luke 8:18) 

Prayer: Gracious Lord, please heal my ears. Cleanse me of all that keeps me from hearing Your Word and responding with an honest, obedient heart. 

It's Your Serve

I love it when I read a chapter in the Bible and discover a progression or common theme running through its various stories.  That’s not always the case. There are some stories that are meant to stand by themselves.  If a connection isn’t obvious, we certainly shouldn’t try to force one. But often the Holy Spirit will reveal something beneath the surface that makes it all come together. I felt that way as we looked into Luke 17 this morning. If I had to give it a title, I’d call it “Things that Please the Lord” and I’d use verses 5 through 10 as my foundation. Therein we find a most wonderful teaching on faith – the need for it, the amount of it, the type of it, and the purpose of it.

It was in response to the disciples’ request, “Lord, Increase our faith.” (verse 5) I’m sure Jesus was pleased with their desire for more faith; however, it was the reason for their asking that was suspect.  Understanding human nature as he did, Jesus knew that many of our prayers stem from selfish motives, and that faith is often seen as a bargaining tool to get God to do what pleases us.  Didn’t the writer to the Hebrews tell us that, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him?” (Hebrews 11:6) This story begs the question, “Who’s serving who?”  In it, Jesus makes a clear distinction between servant and master.  The servant’s duty is to please his master, not the other way around. You may rise up early and work all day in the field, but your duties are not over until supper is served and dishes are done. Only then may you tend to your own needs. In keeping with the “Lord’s Prayer,” the Master’s interests come first.

Jesus was careful to explain that we don’t need a lot of faith (the size of a mustard seed) but rather, the right kind of faith, and for the right reason (i.e., to enable us to please Him). This concept is foreign to the “Name it and Claim It” culture of our day. Faith is sought to obtain material wealth, creature comforts and worldly prosperity. Where are those who are asking for faith to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ? The fruit of the Spirit, power to live a holy life or the ability to forgive all require a clear sight of Jesus and trust in His faithfulness.  God yearns to lead us into a life of full consecration and equip us for the work He alone can accomplish in us. It takes real faith to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus. Only by trusting in Him can we live a life of overcoming, sacrifice, and perseverance.  “Lord, increase my faith so that I can serve you as you deserve to be served.” That should be our prayer.

The other passages in this chapter call our attention to the things that please Him.  He starts with caring for the little ones who are particularly precious to Him, and not putting a stumbling block in their way. It pleases Him when we forgive without limit, seven times or seventy times seven.  God is pleased when He finds those who return to express thanks not only for the healing, but for the healer - Jesus himself. God looks for those who turn their back on the world and don’t look back, daily preparing themselves for His promised return.  These are among the things that please God and these are the reasons why the just must live by faith.

Unlike the story Jesus told in this chapter, our Master doesn’t only require us to serve Him, but set the example by coming to this earth to serve us first. “For The son of man, came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (serve) and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Now that he has accomplished the work of salvation for us, the ball is in our court. Or in other words… “It’s your serve.”

So what makes YOU howl?

I’m not exactly sure where I first heard the story of the rich Sultan who stored all of his costly treasure in the deep, dark, basement of his palace. At the entrance he placed a ferocious howling dog warning throughout the night that his riches were being kept under constant guard. This “security system” served him well for some time: that is until his dog suddenly died. Not able to find an immediate replacement and fearing that any “would-be thieves” might discover its absence, the Sultan felt he had only one choice. And from that day on, it was said, that if you passed by the palace any hour of the day or night, you could hear the Sultan howling in the darkness, until a suitable replacement could eventually be found. Jesus taught that we cannot serve two masters. Riches are meant to serve us, and not the other way around.

It's interesting, how much of Jesus teaching is devoted to helping us understand the proper
place money should hold in the life of the Christian. After all, it has been an essential ingredient for our natural survival since time began. In Luke chapter 16, Jesus tells two stories that both begin with the phrase “there was a certain rich man.” (16:1&19) One emphasizes the eternal rewards awaiting those who invest their resources in the kingdom of God; the other warns of the everlasting torments prepared for those who live only for themselves. It’s a passage full of striking contrasts meant to steer us away from the value system of the world and inspire us to embrace the life that God Himself holds dear. For that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (vs.15)

Our focus this morning was on “The Rich Man and Lazarus,” as told in verses 19 through 31. Is it significant that the beggar Lazarus is mentioned by name while the rich man is simply portrayed as an anonymous other? The one despised by the world is given a special place of honor in the Lord’s narrative. The rich man is full, royally dressed and fares sumptuously every day. Lazarus is hungry, clothed in rags and covered with sores. The only compassion he finds is from those who daily lay him at the rich man’s gate, and the dogs that gently lick his festering wounds. It makes you wonder, “How often do you have to step over a dying man before your heart completely turns to stone?” ... or was it something else that served as the catalyst that blinded the rich man’s eyes to every other need but his own? We may never know for certain what circumstances in life brought him to that condition, but we can be sure it was his untimely death that sealed it.

It appears that Lazarus died first and was carried by the angels into the loving embrace of Father Abraham. When the time came for the rich man to leave this world, the Bible simply  states, “the rich man also died and was buried.” “And in hell, he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.”  (i.e., Torments of regret for the selfish way he lived on earth; of lost opportunities to repent and live better; and the tormenting fires of burning passions that would forever go unsatisfied. Not to mention the torments of a guilty conscious, standing naked before a holy God). We can’t help but ask the question, “Who’s the beggar now?”

As intriguing as this story is with regard to the afterlife, it doesn’t appear that was the Lord’s original intent in telling it. However, it seems to me by implication, that the rich man knew he was where he deserved to be, though not where he wanted to be. And whether actual or figurative, the gulf between them speaks volumes. Namely, that once you die your destiny is sealed. There is no escape. And there is no hope of relief for the ungodly. As troubling as these truths are to us, we can rest in the fact that the Righteous Judge will make no mistakes on that day. Everyone in hell will know they deserve to be there, while everyone in heaven will know that they don’t … but for the blood of Jesus.

Sadly, the story ends with one final “If only.” This one, not for himself, but for his family back on earth. There might still be hope for his brothers if only Lazarus could return from the dead to warn them of the fate that awaits them. Abraham disagrees.  Their salvation doesn’t depend upon insufficient witness or lack of the miraculous: “they have Moses and the prophets.” It’s their lack of interest in God’s Kingdom, their love of pleasure, and unwillingness to listen… unless repented of these will be the nails that seal their coffins.

Hardness of heart comes by much practice. Selfish choices and daily neglect subtly dull our senses and us drain us of Christ’s compassion. “Today, if you will hear His voice, (in His Word and in the cries of the needy), harden not your hearts…” (Heb.3:15)   THERE STILL MAY BE TIME TO ESCAPE!

Heavenly Minded or Heavenly Blinded?

Have you ever heard it said of someone that they are “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good?” I wonder who ever came up with that expression. It’s always been my understanding that to be truly heavenly minded makes you the best you can be here on earth. Having a genuine interest in the Kingdom of God is what motivates us to love all of mankind and be faithful stewards of the things God has entrusted to us here.  It opens our eyes to the many ways that we can share the love of Christ with others and minister to them in practical ways. Being a blessing to one another is one way in which we store up treasure in heaven and prepare for Christ’s soon return.

It's true that Saul, (later the Apostle Paul), at first was blinded by the heavenly vision he received on the road to Damascus.  However, he didn’t stay that way. Once prayed for, his eyes were opened, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sent out on a mission to turn the world “right-side up.” A heavenly minded person sees the world through the eyes of Jesus and feels His heartbeat for the lost. Being spiritually minded gets our eyes off ourselves and sets us free from the selfish pursuit of “things.” We learn to live with eternity’s values in view.

Some people claim to be enlightened, but only to what they can get from God. They use their Christianity as a means of feeding the covetousness from which they’ve never fully been delivered. These are the ones who have inspired the perverted definition of heavenly mindedness…  no earthly good to anyone but themselves. The idea of full surrender, daily sacrifice and washing one another’s feet are concepts that have never so much as entered their minds. They don’t realize that the blessings God gives us are never meant for us alone but are intended to be placed at His disposal to be used for His glory. The “heavenly light” has blinded them to the needs around them. Their “pie” is in the sky, whereas Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40)

In Luke chapter 16 Jesus tells the story of the “Unjust Steward.” It’s one of the few, if not the only place in the Bible where we are told to learn a lesson from the world. He tells of a dishonest steward (manager) who was suspected of embezzling his employer’s money. When called upon to give an account of his stewardship, he comes up with one last plan in an effort to secure his future before he is fired. While he still has the authority, he settles accounts with his boss’s debtors by drastically reducing the amount of goods they owe.  In doing so, he not only wins their favor but creates possible opportunities for future employment. When the boss discovered what he had done, he commended the steward for his shrewdness even though the goods he used were not his own.

Jesus goes on to admonish us: “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” (Luke 16:9 NLT) In other words, if we are wise, we will use the temporal, material things that God has blessed us with in this life to bless others and promote the furtherance of His Kingdom. By serving God in this way, He takes notice and grants us eternal rewards when this life is over - treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. (Matt. 6:20)

Jesus goes on in this chapter to tell the story about a foolish rich man who continually hoarded his riches and deliberately ignored others in need. His end was tragic. He warns that we cannot serve both God and mammon; we have to make a choice. In every culture where the Gospel has been received, that society has benefited in numerous ways - hospitals, orphanages, food programs. The list goes on and on. When my eyes are truly opened, I will seek His wisdom as to how to use my life to enrich the lives of others in His name. I will understand that the true value of my possessions lies not in how they can benefit me, but rather how they can be used to serve God and others. This becomes my greatest joy … and that’s reward enough for me!

Prayer:  Gracious Father, as I grow closer to You through Your Word and prayer, make my heart like Yours, and flow through my life to those in need around me.

The Only One

Some years ago, I had mentioned in a sermon that if you were the only one in need of salvation, Jesus would have come and died just for you. Afterwards, someone asked where I find that truth in the Bible. Immediately my thoughts were drawn to the passage we read this morning. (Luke 15) There, like nowhere else in Scripture, Jesus places the emphasis on God’s love for the individual: the one lost sheep, the one coin, the younger of the two sons. Each story is told in relation to redemption, a work in which each Person of the Trinity is involved. Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Holy Spirit as the light of the candle, and the Father as the one waiting for the return of his precious son. When the Bible tells us that “God so loved the world…” it means that He loves each and every individual of the world. You can be sure that when it comes to God, you are never lost in the crowd.

Jesus said, the Good Shepherd calls each of his sheep by name and they follow him. (John 10:3) God’s intimate knowledge of us is mentioned throughout the Bible. Psalm 139:13,14 tells us that
from the womb, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. His interest in us extends even to the very hairs on our head. (Luke 12:7) In other words, God knows us even better than we know ourselves.

Not only does God know us, but He greatly values us. We see this demonstrated in the effort put forth to seek and to save the lost.  The Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one lost sheep. The woman who lost her coin, with candle and broom, searches every nook and cranny until she finds it. Looking back at our own lives we are overwhelmed as we consider the persistent effort the Lord put forth to reach us with His love, His Word, and the conviction of His Holy Spirit. We can’t help but cry out with the hymn writer, “Oh, the love that sought me!”

Although the similarities between these stories are obvious, there is much to learn by considering the ways in which they differ as well. In the story of the Prodigal, the Father doesn’t go out searching for his son in an effort to drag him back home, but rather waits for his return. True redemption is a matter of the heart. God never forces Himself on us. True, He may touch our lives in a number of ways but then he “steps back” patiently awaiting our response. He wants us to value Him as He values us. He wants us to come home and stay home. When the Prodigal returned, he came back with a new appreciation of who his father was and of the privilege of being part of his household. His heart had been changed.

Now the rejoicing can begin… on earth as it is in heaven. Twice in this chapter we are told that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repents.  Unfortunately, not everyone joins in the celebration. The elder son is offended that the father welcomed his wayward brother back home with open arms. Instead of seeing the miracle that had taken place in his brother’s life, he made it all about him. To him it was all about earning and deserving. He, like the Pharisees, had little understanding of the father’s mercy and of his great need of it.
Now it was his turn to find his way home. 

Perhaps the Lord is “waiting to be gracious” unto you. (Isa. 30:18)  Let’s not keep Him waiting a minute longer.

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that You see me where I am, and You made a way for me to come back to You. I need Your love and Your mercy today, and I come now, because of what Jesus has done, into Your loving embrace.

The Shelf-Life of the Self-Life

As far as I know, my dad never put a lot of stock in dreams.  Not that he felt God couldn’t speak to us through them. After all, the Bible does say that in the last days “your old men shall dream dreams.” (Joel 2:28) It’s just that God didn’t usually speak to him that way… except for this one time.  It was the night before he was to be baptized, and in his dream he saw himself lying in a grave - crucified with Christ and buried with him in baptism.   Then suddenly, much to his surprise, the corpse opened his eyes and with a faint smile gave him a little wink. That’s when Dad woke up. It didn’t take long for its meaning to become clear. Even though he had become a new creation in Christ, the self-life wasn’t going to die easily. In other words, the self-life has an exceptionally long shelf-life. That seems to be a common theme running through the story and parables we read in Luke chapter 14. Each one addresses the “self-life” and the subtle (and not so subtle) ways this attitude is manifested in our lives.

When it served his own self-interest, working on the sabbath day was not a problem to the Pharisee whose ox had fallen into a pit. (vs. 1-6) When invited to a wedding feast, Jesus warned against an attitude of self-importance that chooses the seat of honor rather than being content to take the lowly place. (vs. 7-11) When hosting a dinner, avoid the tendency to invite only those from whom you can receive something in return. Instead, we, as his followers, should invite those who have nothing to offer, knowing that our Father in heaven will more than make it up to us in the life to come. (vs. 12-14) Likewise, when being invited to a feast, don’t let your personal preferences take precedence over the blessing you can bring to others by celebrating with them and sharing in their joy. (vs. 15-24) In other words, In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Phil. 2:3b)

Jesus always hits the nail on the head when it comes to human nature. Even after we become Christians, the self-life continues to vie with Christ for first place in our lives; but the throne of our hearts rightfully belongs to Jesus, and to Him alone.  For the present, the self-life is to be subdued through the power of the Holy Spirit; only when we get to Heaven will it be totally eradicated. That’s why Jesus tells us to deny ourselves daily, take up our cross and follow Him. If we are to truly be His disciples, we can’t allow anything or anyone to hold greater sway over our lives than God.  His, must be our first and highest call, and He Himself must always be our first and greatest love. (vs.26,27)

Taking up my cross doesn’t mean inventing ways to make myself miserable. It simply means staying so filled with Jesus that self has no room to operate in my life. It means finding our greatest joy in pleasing Him, and choosing to obey even when I don’t feel like it. When at the Last Supper Jesus assumed the place of a lowly servant, He revealed the attitude of His disciples who felt that washing feet was beneath them and better left to someone less important. Have we ever held back from doing something for the same reason? Though we would never be so brazen as to choose the highest seat for ourselves, have we ever been insulted when we don’t get the recognition we feel we deserve, or even worse, when it’s given to someone else? Have you ever asked yourself why it is that you choose to associate with the people that you do while practically ignoring others?  The self-life lives by the motto “What’s in it for me?” The crucified life asks, “What’s in it for Him?”  

That’s what it costs to be His disciple, and that life has no “expiration date.”

Prayer:  Lord, I want to be so filled with You that there’s no more room for the “old me.”

Not One More Day!

In today’s Bible passage, Luke 13:10-17, Jesus encounters two people in desperate need of deliverance.  One was a woman bent over with a spirit of infirmity, the other, a religious leader who had a certain bent toward legalism and a lack of compassion. They both needed straightening out.

The woman was obviously in need of physical healing; however, the ruler of the synagogue had a more subtle but equally serious need. His whole perception of God’s law in relation to human need was woefully off balance and damaging to both himself and all who came under his so called “ministry.”  He made it very clear to his parishioners that no one had a right to expect God to do anything for them that day because it was the Sabbath, and as such, no one was to do any work … not even God! “There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore, come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.” (Luke 13:14) Behind this rebuke was a not-so-subtle criticism of Jesus who had delivered this woman from the clutches of the enemy.

Now that the woman was taken care of, Jesus directed his attention to the ruler. It was his turn to be straightened out. First, Jesus accuses him of being a hypocrite for imposing his interpretation of the law upon others while violating his own teaching when it benefits him. He justifies his actions as necessary exceptions to the rule while he condemns others for theirs. He releases his ox or mule from its stall lest it go one day without water but has no concern for this woman who has suffered under the bondage of Satan for the past eighteen years.  Where is the compassion? He has more concern for the care of his animals than he does for the plight of this woman. This was never God’s intention!

Neither was it His intention to issue laws that would benefit some while hurting others. All his commandments are to be observed with compassion: out of love for God and love for others. Is there ever a law that passes through Congress that is mutually beneficial for all concerned?  (Is that even possible?) One group is promoted while another is oppressed.  One person receives benefits at the expense of someone else. Little is done for the common good. Selfish interests influence practically every decision we make on both a personal and national level.  Not so with God. He always has our best interests at heart. Everyone is considered: male or female, rich or poor, saint or sinner. Understood correctly, His commandments are not meant to make our lives more difficult or to add to our suffering, but rather, as Jesus said, … “His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28)

Contrary to the criticism of some, Jesus was a champion and defender of women. It’s amazing when reading through the Gospels how much loving attention he showed them, and the  value he places on them in a society where they were considered little more than a piece of property. Though he never let anything, or anyone distract him from his ultimate mission, through his teaching and example Jesus planted seeds that would eventually bring about positive changes in societies wherever the gospel would be preached and embraced.

The fact is, if the people were to come and be healed on any other day of the week it most likely wouldn’t happen - not unless Jesus was present that day. The synagogue’s ruler had neither the faith, power, nor compassion to bring relief to anybody’s suffering. Religion has a way of keeping people down. Jesus has a way of lifting them up. Religion says, “Suffer a little longer.” Jesus says, “NOT ONE MORE DAY!”

But For the Mercy of God

Where were you on 9/ll? If you’re reading this, you most likely were not in either of the Twin Towers the day the terrorists attacked.  If you were, you obviously were among those who were fortunate enough to survive, thank God. Why was that? Were those who perished that day greater sinners than those who were spared? Based on our reading today, (Luke chapter 13), that’s exactly the question Jesus would have asked if He were here with us in the flesh. In His day it was the slaughter caused by Pilate and the death of those 18 crushed by the Tower of Siloam. Tragedy is no respecter of persons: it can happen to any of us. We are all vulnerable… but for the mercy of God.

It's human nature to want to know “why”. Living life generates questions: they’re what keep us learning and growing.  If we can figure out why something happened to someone else, then maybe we can understand how to prevent it from happening to us. I imagine that’s what was behind the accusations of Job’s so-called friends. Surely there must have been some secret sin that brought this evil upon him – evidently Job wasn’t as godly as he appeared (or so they hoped). Some questions, however, have no answers – not in this life.  For those, we need God’s grace to accept the things we cannot understand and come to peace with them. Forcing our own conclusions never fully satisfies. The secret things belong to God (Deut. 29:29): we must learn to leave them with Him. 

The fact that we tend to consider ourselves better than others (because we have been spared some mishap), only proves Jesus’ point - we are all in need of repentance. Such an attitude exposes the underlying pride that tells us we are deserving of God’s blessing while others are not. Jesus used this occasion to teach his disciples about God’s mercy, human compassion and the greater importance of our eternal state over the temporal.

If God gave us what we deserve, who could stand? It’s of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not; they are new every morning… (Lam. 3:22,23) God’s goodness is not bestowed upon us to confirm how good we are, but rather, to show us how patient, kind and loving He is. When properly understood, the goodness of God leads us to repent of anything in our lives that is not worthy of Him. (Ro. 2:4) His constant goodness makes me see how truly unworthy I am of His love, and causes me to want to give back what I can in return, namely my best, myself, my all. Romans 2:4 says… the goodness of God leads us to repentance. Another rendering of this verse brings out the thought that the very act of bringing us to repentance (however that may come about), is in itself an expression of God’s goodness. Repentance is so important to God that in the grand scheme of things, it would be better for someone to die suddenly here and enter into life, than to be spared a tragic end only to perish eternally. (See Ezekiel 33:11) In the parable that follows in Luke 13 (verses 6-9), Jesus shows how the husbandman, reluctant to cut down the fig tree, tenderly nurtures it in hopes of finding the desired fruit thereon. Doesn’t this perfectly illustrate God’s patient and loving dealings with each one of us?

The next time we hear of some tragic event in someone’s life, let’s not be so quick to “cut them down” with our judgements and opinions. Many fellow Christians died on 9/ll as well. Instead of asking “Why did this happen to them?” perhaps the question should be, “Why didn’t this happen to me?” And then thank God for His mercy while showing compassion to those who have endured such pain and loss. Look within and remind yourself that every day is a gift from God … what you do with it is your gift to Him.

“For mercies so great what return can I make?
     For mercies so constant and sure?
  I’ll love Him, I’ll serve Him with all that I have,
      As long as my life shall endure.” – T. O. Chisholm

Name It and Claim It?

I love the story of the married couple who finally saved up enough money to have their old run-down kitchen transformed into the state-of-the-art culinary dream room they had always longed for. They spared no expense: oak wood cabinets, ceramic tiled floor, shiny new stainless-steel sink and marble counter tops, not to mention all-new matching kitchen appliances (including the toaster!) Everything was done to perfection, and they couldn’t have been more pleased (or so they thought).  

One lazy afternoon, as the husband was relaxing on the sofa, admiring the recent renovations to their home, he began to thumb through one of the magazines that was lying on the coffee table - something about “Homes and Gardens.”  It was full of beautiful photographs of luxurious houses and exquisite landscapes. A particular spread caught his attention: photos of a kitchen, much like his own, only a hundred times nicer: …nicer cabinets, shinier counter tops, and fancier appliances. Looking back at his “poor excuse for a kitchen”, a dark cloud of discontent slowly settled over him. As he tossed the magazine back on the table, one little word stood out from the rest - the most important word, and the reason he shouldn’t have picked up the magazine in the first place.  Not “Homes and Gardens,” as he had originally supposed, but more specifically, “BETTER Homes and Gardens.” His kitchen was fine but theirs was better.

In today’s study, (Luke 12:13–34) a man from the crowd appealed to Jesus to arbitrate between him and his brother regarding the dividing of their inheritance. Jesus chose not to involve himself in their dispute, but did, however, use the opportunity to warn us about a sin that is all too common in our society and deeply engrained in our sinful nature… covetousness.  Simply defined, it’s the attitude of placing too much value on temporal, earthly things, to the neglect of the more important and eternal matters of God’s kingdom. It’s spending your best time and effort pursuing positions and possessions, while disregarding the commandments of God in order to obtain them.  Covetousness is often tied to jealousy and envy. It’s an insatiable appetite that always wants newer, better, and more. The Apostle Paul tells us covetousness essentially is idolatry. (Col. 3:5)

Jesus taught that a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses. (Lk. 12:15)
When we, as Christians, stand before the Lord one day, we won’t be judged according to how much we had, but rather, by what we did with the things He gave us. Jesus went on to tell the story of a rich man who had an unusually abundant harvest.  So much so, that he didn’t have enough room in his barns to store it all. (Now here’s where covetousness rears its ugly head.) Instead of considering how he might use the overflow to benefit the poor and needy, he decided to build larger barns and lay up for himself treasure here on earth. What he thought was a wise investment in his future was really nothing more than a selfish hoarding of that which could have been used to benefit others and further God’s kingdom. Turns out his future didn’t extend beyond that very evening, and sadly, “the rich man” entered his eternal home empty-handed.

Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Whether we have much or little in this life, the source of our contentment is not to be found in things, but in God. We are to learn to find rest in His abiding presence in our lives and in knowing that our future is secure in His capable, loving hands. Although there is nothing wrong with wanting nicer and better things, there is something wrong with not appreciating what God has already given.

What you value most will affect all your decisions in life. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Lk. 12:34)

So before you set out on a mission to “name and claim” everything you want or think you need, first be sure that it’s God Who’s doing the naming before you start doing the claiming!

Prayer: Loving God, thank You for providing all that I need. Please help me to keep my heart free from the love of things, and full of love for You.

Good to the Last Drop

It’s amazing how something really good can turn really bad in a matter of seconds. We found that out early in our marriage. I’m not talking about our relationship; I’m referring to a small glass of orange juice. As a young couple in ministry, Lilly and I enjoyed visiting various members of the congregation together: shut-ins, the sick and elderly. On one such visit, a precious elderly brother, in an attempt to be a gracious host, offered us something to drink. The selection was somewhat limited. I think I had water while Lilly opted for a glass of orange juice.  As we conversed, he would ask from time to time if she was enjoying her drink, to which she would reply with a smile, “Yes, thank you! Nice and cold – just the way I like it.” It wasn’t until she got to the last drop that she noticed a little black clump stuck to the bottom of her glass (which to this day we still hope was a raisin). Suddenly, even my water lost its appeal. Future visits were approached with a bit more caution.

In today’s passage, as always, Jesus placed the greater emphasis on the inner life, or as he put it, “the inside of the cup”. (Luke 11:37-54). Having been invited to dinner at a Pharisee’s house, he was immediately criticized for not going through the prescribed ceremonial washing before eating. Jesus was not opposed to washing before a meal, but he was opposed to placing greater value on man-made commands than on the clear teaching of scripture. He used the occasion to address the double-edged sin of hypocrisy which was so prevalent among Israel’s religious leaders. A sin so subtle, that it not only deceives the people you’re trying to impress, but fools you into believing that you truly are the person you’re pretending to be.  Hypocrisy is lying without words. It’s giving a false impression on the outside in order to hide the real person hiding on the inside. And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? (11:39,40) They seemed to have forgotten that while man may look on the outward appearance, God looks on the heart. (I Sam.16:7)

When dealing with Israel’s religious leaders, there were few sins that Jesus came down harder on than the sin of hypocrisy. He said it was like yeast that affects every part of the person. He compared them to dirty cups, hidden graves, and accused them of being glory seekers. He rebuked them for being more concerned with position, wealth and the honor of man, than the honor that comes from God alone. (John 5:44) Outwardly they appeared to be righteous, but their hearts were full of wickedness and greed. They lacked sincerity in their giving and neglected the weightier matters of the law like justice and the love of God.  They used their divinely appointed position to line their pockets and played to the ignorance of the people who naturally assumed that they were holy men who walked with God. Their strict teaching and long prayers were nothing more than a ruse to hide their true motives and intentions. Though many may have been deceived by their Oscar-winning performance, God was not; neither was He impressed.

The worst thing about the sin of hypocrisy is that, like a hidden grave, it’s so easy to fall into. We’ve all been guilty of it to one degree or another.  It’s especially tempting (but not limited) to those in ministry. Being conscious of the people’s expectations, we become desperate not to disappoint. In our desire to be a blessing, we are tempted to resort to gimmicks that help us “win friends and influence people”. In our busyness, prayer is neglected, as well as the time needed to expose ourselves to the penetrating searchlight of God’s Holy Word. Impression becomes the most important thing. And since God is blessing and using us, we convince ourselves that everything must be all right. After all, haven’t we prophesied in His name and done many wonderful works? (Matt. 7:22)

So, what can we do to guard against such an insidious contaminant? For one thing, get into the habit of checking your motives and intentions before the Lord, and don’t ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  Make a deliberate effort to be genuine and sincere in all your dealings and relationships. Pay attention to your reaction when you don’t receive the honor or recognition you think you deserve. And never be satisfied when people speak well of you,but go to Jesus for his assessment.

The true condition of our hearts cannot be determined by the amount of blessings we enjoy or  the way God uses us in His service, but rather by our obedience to His word, and our desire to spend time alone with the Savior.

What’s stuck at the bottom of your cup?  That’s for God to know, and for you to find out!

Prayer: Lord, please search my heart. Let me be willing to see the “real me” and make me clean in every way.

The Devil's Math

To this day I still don’t (and never will) understand how my darling wife got it into her head to appoint me of all people to be the home school math teacher for my precious daughter, Natalie.  Only God knows the torture I put her through as I tried to teach her concepts that, over the years, had become totally foreign to me. They call it “The New Math” - I call it “Confusing”. When adding, you can’t carry the one anymore, now you “regroup.”  And that’s just one example of the many new definitions and approaches to a subject I once knew something about.  Who knew I had to learn another language in addition, to teaching Addition?! Despite my personal struggle, Natalie did exceptionally well.

In today’s passage (Luke 11:14 – 26), the subject of division dominated our discussion. As Jesus was casting out an evil spirit from a man, some who were observing said, “He casteth out devils through Beelzebub, the chief of the devils.” Jesus’ response revealed the irony of their argument: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation… If Satan be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?” (11:14-18a) The jealous attempts of his enemies to discredit him defied reason. Even the devil knew better than that.

In order for a kingdom to be strong and able to conquer its enemies there must be order, devotion, and unity of purpose. That goes for Satan’s kingdom as well as God’s. Every time Jesus set one of Satan’s captives free, he was turning the devil’s chains back on himself and rendering his kingdom that much weaker. One day, the devil will be thrown into the pit, and his kingdom will come to utter desolation… but he’s not going down without a fight. The battle between Light and Darkness will become even more fierce as nears our King’s return. Division is one of the devil’s most effective weapons in his desperate attempt to foil God’s plans and render His Church ineffective in this world.

It's the devil’s “New Math”.  Instead of calling it “gossip,” we call it “prayer requests”. A “critical spirit” has now become “spiritual discernment”. What once came under the category of “quarreling” is now considered “standing up for righteousness” or a “lively in-house debate”.    “Jealousy” is a “concern for God’s glory”, pride is a “healthy self-image”, and the effort to maintain biblical standards is now “being judgmental” and “ignorant”. God’s people are becoming more and more divided over denomination, race, cultural preferences, and politics. “Obedience” is “legalism”. Pursuing holiness is being “bound by tradition” and those that believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit are warned against as “deceivers” and “fanatics”! The list goes on and on.

When you do the “Devil’s Math” you always end up with less than you started with - less love, less unity, less peace, less joy, and less power. The world is no longer impressed by the church of Jesus Christ: it can hardly tell the difference. The light has grown dim, the salt has little taste. And perhaps worst of all, the Holy Spirit is grieved to tears as Satan and his cohorts laugh with delight.

But the Lord promises to return for a glorious Church without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:27) And while the devil is the master of division, God’s expertise lies in multiplication and addition. And despite the enemy’s best efforts to destroy the Early Church, God caused His word to grow and multiply, and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. (Acts 5:14) Isn’t He able to do the same in these last days?

Jesus left us with a new commandment, that we love one another as he has loved us. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35) God also exhorted us through the Apostle Paul to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3) He warned us to mark those who cause division and avoid them. Problems will arise among the people of God and will need to be dealt with, but with pure hearts we will attempt to settle our differences in the spirit of love and humility. By God’s grace let us determine to become part of the solution, and not add to the problem.

The Devil’s Math is really nothing new at all: he’s still up to his same old tricks. But God is doing a new thing in these closing days, and I want to be part of it. The world and its promises just don’t add up, and those that pursue them will surely end up disappointed and ashamed. But since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Heb. 10:28,29 NIV)

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are at work in our world. Fill us with Your grace and love, and let us walk humbly with You, in the unity that only You can give.

The Disciples' Prayer

Some years ago, on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast, I heard a talk by a public-school teacher by the name of Guy Dowd who at the time was chosen as Teacher of the Year. After he spoke about his love for his students and the challenges that they faced, he quoted a poem by Edgar Guest that made a deep and lasting impression on me.  It began like this… “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one walk with me than merely point the way. The eye’s better pupil and more willing than the ear.  Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.”

In today’s passage we read that after Jesus had finished praying, one of His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1) Seeing Jesus pray was nothing new to them: how He prayed was. The fervor with which He prayed and the intimacy He enjoyed with His Father was unlike anything they had ever observed or been taught. As Jews, prayer was something they practiced; with Jesus, it was something He lived and breathed. They couldn’t help but make a connection between the time Jesus spent alone with God, and the power that permeated His life and ministry. Observing Jesus’ prayer life made them hungry to learn how to pray like Him. We may ask, “What kept Jesus from teaching them this valuable lesson?” ... Perhaps He was waiting for them to ask.

With Jesus, prayer was more than words to be recited from a holy book. Its success had nothing to do with eloquence, repetition, or putting on a show to impress those who might be listening. Prayer was a reflection of His relationship with the Father, and an expression of the holy desires that rose from the depths of His being. It was the way in which He showed His dependence on God, that He needed Him. Jesus knew that not only did the disciples need to be instructed as to how to pray, but even more so, they needed to be empowered to pray. In the book of Romans we are told that in spite of all the instruction that we receive, there is still a certain weakness in our praying that only the Holy Spirit can help us with: for we know not what to pray for as we ought. (8:26) The revelation and anointing of the Holy Spirit is key to having a deep and effective prayer life.

Jesus began with instruction. He told them that we should address God as our Father Who art in Heaven.  He called attention to His holiness and taught that the interests of His Kingdom should come first in our praying. God has a will that He desires to accomplish here on earth, and we should believe Him to fulfill it. He assured them that their Father is lovingly concerned about their everyday needs and that if they ask Him for bread He won’t give them a stone. He emphasized that forgiveness is essential – that they needed to be both forgiven and forgiving. Finally, He warned them of the temptations that lurk in the darkness and how much they need their Father to lead them away from Satan’s pitfalls and bring them safely home. These are the principles that are necessary to pray properly. However, the effectiveness of our praying goes beyond mere instruction to include experience.

Jesus not only addressed God as His Father, but He knew Him as such. That relationship was real to Him and He walked in the consciousness of it constantly. He personally experienced the extent of God’s holiness and the glory of His kingdom. The desire for God’s will was a driving force that burned in His heart: He lived for the glory of God. He understood that daily bread was more than food and natural provisions - that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Jesus didn’t just pray about forgiveness – He mastered it. To Jesus, prayer was more than just saying the right things, it was knowing and living them as well.

Could it be that the Lord’s Prayer was meant to be prayed into our lives as well as over our lips?  Our prayer life should be a growing experience. The more the Holy Spirit reveals the Father to us and the things of His Kingdom, the deeper and more effective our prayers and the fruitfulness of our lives will be.

“Lord, teach me to pray.”

Perhaps the Lord is just waiting for us to ask.

Wake Up!

Most of us are familiar with the expression, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”  We all have a deep inner longing to be cared for.  We need to know that someone is genuinely concerned about our well-being… that we matter. The search for belonging can lead us down a variety of paths in life: some good, others harmful and destructive.

The Apostle Peter tells us that we should cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) As great as our need is to know that we are cared for, it is even more important to God that we understand how very much He does. God’s care is two-fold.  Not only does He care about us, but He also takes care of us.  So intimate is His concern, that Jesus told us that our heavenly Father knows the very number of hairs we have on our heads. (Matt. 10:30) In other words, God is intimately concerned about every detail of our lives and promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

In today’s reading (Luke 10:38-42), Martha in her frustration, is questioning the degree to which Christ cares for her. “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.” (vs. 40) Lying beneath her seemingly reasonable request are some basic questions that we all have grappled with at one time or another. Questions like: “Don’t You see how unfair this is?” “Doesn’t it bother You that I am wearing myself out while others are being selfish and lazy?” “Are You even aware of my situation?” And finally, “Don’t You place any value on the sacrifices I’m making for You?” Talk about a loaded question; Martha’s statement was packed full of implications and accusations.

I can think of another place where the disciples questioned whether Jesus cared. It was in the midst of a fierce storm (as is often the case). As they were toiling in rowing and struggling to keep afloat, the Bible tells us that Jesus was in the hinder part of the boat, sleeping, with his head on a pillow… and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:38) It appeared to the disciples that Jesus was lost in another world, totally oblivious to what was happening around them. The fact was, however, that He cared so much, that He was right there in the boat, going through the storm with them. For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb. 13:5) Here was an opportunity for them to exercise faith - to believe that having His presence with them was enough to guarantee that everything would be alright.  There may be times when it seems to us that Jesus is sleeping, but it just may be that those are the times that He is addressing some greater need in our lives: a need that we may be totally oblivious to.  With the disciples, it was their need to learn to trust in His presence and believe His word, no matter what things looked like; with Martha, it was her need to spend more time at His feet, letting Him speak into her heart. Can’t you imagine Him saying, “Move over Mary and make room for your sister. After I’m done sharing, we can all pitch in and help Martha get dinner on the table.”? Yes, Jesus appreciated Martha and all she was doing for Him, but it was more important to Him (and more needful for her) to spend time in His presence and listen closely to the things He had to share. In all of our service, spending time with Jesus must always come first.

We have been taught to pray, “Lord, make the things that are important to You, to become important to me.”  Perhaps we should add, “and teach me to never doubt that you care, but resting in Your love, help me to face my trials with faith, patience and great expectation.”

Psalm 121 assures us, “…He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall  neither slumber nor sleep.” (vs.3-4)

 Evidently, we’re the ones that need to be awakened.

Right Answer - Wrong Question

I remember how my heart broke some years ago during a home school ice skating trip, when one of my children asked a young girl her age if she would like to be her friend. Her response was childishly insensitive: “I’ll think about it” as she skated away leaving her in the cold.  I can still see the hurt in my daughter’s eyes.  Wanting friends is natural; making them, however, doesn’t always come easily. We then began to teach our children to place a greater emphasis on being a friend, rather than finding one.  A man that hath friends must show himself friendly… (Proverbs 18:24). In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), it appears that Jesus was teaching the same thing.

Willing to justify himself, (the lawyer) said unto Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) The lawyer who came to Jesus seeking the path to eternal life appeared to already have the answer to his question. He came to test Jesus, to see whether or not Jesus agreed with him.  Of course, he knew who his neighbors were. They were the people whom he decided were worthy of his love: fellow Jews, close friends and family, respected members of society. He also knew which ones weren’t: Gentiles, publicans, prostitutes, and sinners. Jesus’ answer revealed that not only was his answer wrong, but even more so was his question. It was self-centered and judgmental.  No doubt, like many of us, he was of the opinion that in order to love my neighbor as myself, I need to learn to love myself first, but that’s not what Jesus was saying. Jesus knew that most of us are too much in love with ourselves already - so much so, that we have trouble extending that love beyond the borders of our own selfish interests. With some exceptions, the problem is not learning to love myself better, but learning to forget myself, so that I can love others the way I, myself would want to be loved… the way God loves me.

James calls it The Royal Law (James 2:8).  We know it as The Golden Rule. And rightly so, for to love like that is both the highest (royal) and richest (golden) way to live. To love others as I love myself would be to love others just as they are.  It would be to value them as those created in the image of God without considering race, ethnicity, social status or whether I agree with their lifestyle or not. It would be to minister to them in their need and do my best to contribute to their full restoration. It would be to love unconditionally. That’s how I would want to be loved if I were in their shoes.

The Samaritan in Christ’s story saw more than a man in need; he saw himself lying there. Not only did he give him his oil and wine, his mule and his bed, his time and his money; but simply put, he gave him himself. The Priest and Levite loved themselves too much, the Samaritan loved his neighbor as himself. How ironic: a Samaritan whom they would never consider to be their neighbor, became neighbor to the man they left wounded and dying in a pool of his own blood.
Jesus’ heroes are often the last people you’d expect.  

Lest we think that Jesus was implying that we could somehow earn our salvation by doing good, we need to understand that the Law’s requirements were impossible to fulfill in our own strength. To truly love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves, can only be accomplished by the grace of God and a revelation of Himself. We must become channels of His love by yielding ourselves to Him. It’s only as we dwell upon God’s love for us, that we can ever begin to feel the compassion that He has for all mankind. That’s why the two greatest commandments hang together.

A common misconception is that loving others requires neglecting ourselves for their sake. Many in our day suffer from self-loathing and destructive behavior. A healthy, biblical self-image comes through a revelation of God’s love as demonstrated on Calvary. It comes by believing in the value He places on our lives. Only as we walk in the consciousness of God’s love, can we be free to truly esteem others better than ourselves. (Phil. 2:3)

By the way, to be true to the facts, my daughter informed me that my opening story didn’t exactly play itself out the way I remembered it. (My recollection was evidently influenced by a father’s love).  Either way, the lesson remains the same. The right question isn’t “who is my neighbor?” but rather, “How can I be a neighbor to someone today?”  Or as Fred Rodgers so aptly posed the question at the end of his song, “…Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Prayer: Dear Lord, please open my eyes and my heart to see those around me who need to experience Your love through me today.

Hand to the Plow

Learning to drive wasn’t an option growing up on Long Island - it was a necessity as far as I was concerned.  Public transportation wasn’t readily available, and everywhere I wanted to go was too far to walk. I couldn’t wait to get my license. My dad was willing to teach me, but he made it clear that it would require a real commitment on my part. He expected me to take it seriously and to put in the time… rain or shine. Once we got started, we were going to see it through to the end. No turning back.

Commitment… a rare quality in today’s world. Everyone has a hesitation, a stipulation, a condition.  “I’ll follow you anywhere, but just let me first…” Even among those who wanted to follow Jesus, He often found them trying to bargain with Him for a better time or more favorable circumstances in which to make the break.  Some people must first buy the house or get their 401K in place before they “leave all to follow Jesus.” But Jesus couldn’t guarantee that all their natural comforts would be secured. “The Son of Man hath no place to lay His head” - you might not either.

 Others wanted more time to fulfil their lesser earthly obligations. Although a noble aspiration, some responsibilities can be turned over to others who are equally as capable as yourself. “Let the dead bury their own dead but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” God’s call is urgent, demanding, and a lot of hard work. It requires burning bridges and not looking back. Considering everyone’s feelings and opinions only weighs us down and holds us back. Following Jesus is not up for discussion. (Luke 9:57-62)

“No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Once behind the wheel, you need to aim your sites high.  Look far up the road and keep your eyes on the goal. You can’t drive straight if you’re preoccupied with what is immediately in front of you. Many a crooked furrow has been plowed by a distracted farmer. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He alone must be your goal.

Looking back can be dangerous… just ask Lot’s wife. We must value God’s call above anything and everything this world has to offer. Dreams of the past must give way to brighter visions. Past regrets must be put under the blood and left with God. Jesus Himself must be our highest prize, His approval our eternal reward.

Like driving, we can’t always wait for ideal conditions before setting out on our journey.   Life can be tough. Obstacles often get in the way. Jesus is looking for laborers who have the courage to weather the storms without complaining… who know it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Fruit doesn’t grow overnight.  Farming requires patience.  We must have faith in the seed and in the One who sends the sunshine and the rain. After all, He is Lord of the Harvest.

Keep your eyes on the prize and plow straight ahead. You’ll only get as much out of it as you’re willing to put in. Wholehearted commitment to Christ and His cause will not only bring about a fruitful life and harvest, but it will take you places you never dreamed you could ever go.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to stay the course. I don’t have what it takes, but You do, and I reach out for more of Your Holy Spirit today to strengthen me for the task before me.

Five Simple Words

Many years ago, before I even knew there was a Canarsie Full Gospel Chapel, a member of this congregation worked for the Corrigan Casket Company in downtown Brooklyn. Sister Virginia was a praying woman, filled with the Holy Spirit, and one who had a very precious walk with God. Having prayed about where to work, she sensed that the Lord had sent her there to do more than just sew linings into caskets.  One day, alone with God, the thought came to her to witness to the Boss’s wife. Tillie Corrigan was a devout Catholic. Knowing very well that it might cost her her job, Sister Virginia mustered up the courage to share her personal testimony with her. It turns out that not only had God prepared Tillie to receive the Gospel, but her son Michael also invited Christ into his heart, receiving Him as his personal Lord and Savior. Immediately, Virginia began to disciple them.  Emphasizing the importance of prayer, she instructed them to set time aside daily to wait on God. “But what should we pray during that time?” asked Michael. Virginia took a piece of paper and wrote down five simple words … “JESUS, REVEAL YOURSELF TO ME.”  “Pray this” she said.

Twice in Luke 9 the disciples observed Jesus praying. The first had a transforming effect on them; the second had a transforming effect on Him. It might not be amiss to assume that the question Jesus asked them was an indication of what He was praying about. “Whom say the people that I am?” (vs.18) The popular opinion was that Jesus was John the Baptist or one of the ancient prophets risen from the dead. However, what the crowds concluded about Jesus was not as important to Him as who His closest followers understood Him to be. “But whom say ye that I am?” (vs.20) After all, these were the ones that would carry on His work after He returned to His Father. Peter was quick to respond, “The Christ of God.” Matthew’s Gospel gives us a more complete response declaring Him to be the Son of the living God as well. (16:16)

Could Peter’s response have been the answer to His prayer?  And Jesus answered and said unto him “… flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.” (Mt. 16:17) The divine revelation that was given to them by His Heavenly Father was very different from the natural conclusions that the crowds had come to on their own.  And it was that revelation that would be the rock upon which He would build His Church, and the anchor that would hold His followers steady during the stormy days that lay ahead. Once that fact was established, He could talk more freely to them about the arrest, trial and death that awaited Him in Jerusalem. He could speak to them about dying to self and total commitment, as expressed by the requirement to “eat His flesh and drink His blood.” (Jn.6:53) From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” And Simon Peter answered Him, “to whom else shall we go? Thou hast words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Jn. 6:66-69)

The crowds left Him because they didn’t know Him.  The true knowledge of God can only come by revelation. What joy it must have brought to the heart of Jesus to see that light dawn upon them.  In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes… (Lk. 10:21) And He still loves to reveal Himself to us, changing us from glory to glory, as we take time over His Word to wait on Him. (2 Cor. 3:18)

Many years have passed since (now Pastor) Michael was given those five simple words to pray, and as he told me recently, he is still praying them. “Jesus, reveal Yourself to me.” It’s a growing revelation. It was Peter, of all people, who told us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Pe. 3:18) I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ll be praying that way throughout all the ages of eternity. If you haven’t already, why not begin today?  It’s guaranteed to change your life!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You want us to know who You are, and how much You love us.
Jesus, reveal Yourself to me.

Dusty Shoes or Beautiful Feet?

Are you one of those people who ask your guests to leave their shoes in the foyer before entering your home? I’m not. If it’s a choice between vacuuming their dirt or dealing with their sweaty socks, I’d choose the dust buster every time. In the movie, Jesus Revolution, there is a scene where members of the church board are complaining about the Hippies attending their church. Their objection is twofold; not only do they come into the Sanctuary barefoot, but their dirty feet are soiling the new carpet. Pastor Chuck wasn’t at all troubled by their dirty feet. His solution was simple: foot washings upon entry… problem solved!

Jesus doesn’t mind dirty feet either - not when they’re dirty for the right reasons. In today’s reading Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the very dust off their feet if a city refused to accept their witness as a testimony against them. (Luke 9:5) The clear implication is that He expects His followers to labor long and hard enough to gather dust on their shoes before giving up on anyone. Sharing the gospel is hard work and it is not always readily received by those who first hear it. Sometimes it takes time for hearts to open.

In Luke chapter nine, Jesus was introducing something new. He was giving his disciples power and authority over devils and sickness as they were sent to proclaim the glorious gospel message. In His name they would go before Him into the towns and villages doing the works that, until now, He alone was able to perform. His instructions were clear. Their success depended on their adhering to them. There were reasons for each of His commands, that would serve to keep their hearts in the right place as they ministered.

First, they were to take the bare minimum of supplies for their journey: no staff or bag, no bread or money. They would have to trust God to meet their every need. The worker is worthy of his food. (Luke 10:7) As they put God’s Kingdom first, their Heavenly Father would be sure to give them their daily bread. (Luke 11:3)

Secondly, when they entered a village, they were not to move from house to house, but rather to abide in the first home that received them. Although some houses might have offered more attractive accommodations, they were to learn to be content where God led them and not use the ministry as a means of personal gain or advantage. Freely they had received, freely they were to give.

The ministry is a call, not a profession. Its purpose is to enrich the lives of others, not a means to make yourself rich. Like the Apostle Paul, we are to know that we are called by God to serve as and where He sees best, and to serve God’s people is a privilege, not a burden.
The Apostle Peter, when writing to Ministers expressed it this way. Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.  (I Peter 5:2,3)

Sadly, too many, now as then, determine God’s call based on the largest salary, most vacation time, nicest parsonage, and the contents of their retirement package. Is it possible that one of the reasons we lack the power and authority that we see in the early Church, in part, is because we can’t trust God beyond our bank account, and living comfortably is more important to us than carrying our cross? Popularity and the praise of man have taken the place of the anointing and the favor of God.  Prayer, waiting on God and studying the Word have been replaced by a multitude of distractions and lesser interests. As we ask ourselves, “Where are the healings and other miraculous signs that characterized the ministry of the early church?” perhaps we too should be asking, “Where are the men and women who realize that the manifestation of God’s power and authority comes with a price?” If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23) Dependence on God in every area of our lives and learning to be content with what He chooses for us - these help to make our lives and ministries fruitful and bring glory to Christ and His Kingdom alone.

Jesus is looking for laborers whom He can thrust into His harvest field - people who are not afraid to get their hands dirty (or their feet for that matter), as they patiently reach out to lost souls for whom Jesus died. Isaiah spoke about beautiful feet as well. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring good tidings… (Isa. 52:7) 

Are your feet dusty enough to be called beautiful? If not let’s get to work!

Prayer: Lord, where are You calling me to walk today, sharing Your good news in dusty places?

Dare to Be Desperate

We’ve all seen the poster, “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on!”
You don’t have to be desperate before God can help you, but it often helps. Hannah Whitall Smith gives a very descriptive illustration in her famous classic, “The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life.” It goes something like this. She tells of a person who for some reason needed to get to the bottom of a well.  After anchoring one end of the rope to a nearby tree, the person threw the remainder down into the deep, dark pit and proceeded to climb down. However, much to their dismay, they reached the end of their rope before their feet touched the bottom of the well. In the darkness there was no way of seeing how much further it was before they would touch the bottom.  Hanging off the end of the rope, they reached down with their feet, searching for something solid - all to no avail. Too tired to climb back up, and afraid that they might fall to their death, they held on tight and yelled for help. But help never came. After, what seemed hours, they could no longer hold on and with a cry of despair, slipped off the end. Now that’s a picture of utter desperation! Have you ever been there?

Running out of options, resources, and strength, you hold on and patiently wait for goodness and mercy to catch up with you. But while you’re waiting things are getting worse: debt is growing, sickness is advancing, relationships are becoming more complicated and distant, opportunities are passing you by. You fear that the little hope you have is slowly slipping away.  In a word, you are becoming desperate. As strange as it may seem, sometimes God waits for us to get there. He waits for the wine to run out, for us to be cast into the lion’s den or for Lazarus to be dead four days before He acts. I wish it wasn’t that way, but it sure seems like it at times. The good news, however, is that no matter how long your rope is, you’ll always find Jesus waiting for you at the end of it.

“Why the wait?” you may ask. That’s a question only God can answer - perhaps at times to build our faith, to bring us to the end of ourselves, or to get us into line with what He wants for us instead of what we want from Him. The wait varies, depending on how willing we are to get there. It could be twelve years, twelve hours, or twelve minutes. We saw that so clearly in our reading this morning. (Luke 8:41-56)

An interesting parallel is presented to us in this chapter. Twelve years ago, a beautiful baby girl was born to Jairus (ruler of the synagogue) and his wife.  Around the same time, an unnamed woman was taken ill with a sickness that would affect both her health and social standing in the community.  One brought unspeakable joy, the other untold misery, poverty, and heartache. Such is life. We are not told when Jairus’ daughter took ill, but we know that she was near death’s door when he desperately sought the Savior’s help. How hopeful he must have been as Jesus agreed to go with him to where his sick child lay. No time to waste. The need was urgent. But another urgent need was to present itself that day causing a brief interruption, that to Jairus must have felt like an eternity.

A woman, suffering with an issue of blood, was determined to get to Jesus as well. After having spent all her money on various physicians and finding no cure, sadly, she only grew worse. Jesus was the last resort for both of them.  But her condition brought with it an added complication. According to Jewish Law, she was considered unclean and forbidden to have any physical contact with anyone, Jesus included.  Thinking outside the box, she reasoned, “If I can’t touch Him, perhaps I can touch His garment.” It may have been pushing the envelope, but that’s what desperate people do. Approaching the crowd from behind, she reached out and touched the hem of His garment. Jesus stopped.  “Who touched me?” He said, for He perceived that virtue had gone out from Him.  Immediately she was healed. No longer able to hide herself, she fell at His feet trembling, perhaps awaiting His rebuke. Instead, to the only woman recorded in the Gospels whom Jesus referred to as daughter, He spoke words of comfort... “Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)

At the very moment that her faith was being commended, Jairus’ faith was being tested, for as Jesus was speaking these words, he received news that his daughter had just died. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. (Luke 8:50)   Arriving at their home, Jesus called her back to life.  He proved that day that no problem can go on so long, or sickness progress so far, but that He can turn it around for his glory.  Faith is never lost in the crowd.  Jesus takes notice of those who come to him, and those who keep their eyes on him as they patiently wait for Him to be gracious to them.

I love the song, “He Giveth More Grace,” … especially the second verse…

“When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
 When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
 Our Father’s full giving is only begun.”

By the way, you might be wondering what ever became of the person in the well.  It just so happened that they fell six inches and landed on the bottom. 😊

Prayer:    Lord, bring me to a place of desperation in my trusting You, where I am willing to let
everything go so that You can catch me.

Storm Chaser!

The closest I ever want to get to a tornado is the evening news. I have always been taught to stay as far away from danger as possible. That’s why I’ve never been able to understand people who call themselves “storm chasers.” Why would anyone want to put themselves in harm’s way in order to experience some passing thrill?  I’m not so sure the excitement they get from chasing the storm is worth the risk they take by possibly catching up with it. When it comes to the “storms of life,” there are some people who choose to live that way: always on the edge of danger.

Of course, not all storms can be avoided. There are some we encounter through no choice of our own. As a matter of fact, some storms can actually be good for us, teaching us valuable life lessons and giving us opportunities to lean harder on the Lord. Others, though, are designed by the devil himself for our destruction. For the thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10) No one understood that better than Jesus. However, He was a different kind of “Storm Chaser” - one who had the courage and authority to chase the storm away and send it back to where it came from.

In our study of Luke chapter 8, we read of two such storms Jesus and His disciples encountered. One was on the outside of their boat, the other on the inside of a man. Jesus chased them both. Many believe that the wind and waves that suddenly erupted on the Sea of Galilee were Satan’s attempt to prevent Jesus from entering the territory that he claimed as one of his strong holds. There are some places the devil doesn’t want us to go, some lives he doesn’t want us to touch for the Lord, and so he manipulates outward circumstances in an all-out effort to throw a “roadblock” in our way. If he can paralyze us with fear or get us to doubt God’s love, he has accomplished his purpose.  Such storms must be faced head on and rebuked!  And they came to him (Jesus), and awoke him, saying “Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a great calm. (Luke 8:24) The disciples responded as you would expect… And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, “What manner of man is this! For he commandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (vs. 25) As great of a miracle as this was over the power of nature, it was His next miracle that left them absolutely speechless.

The Gospel of Matthew tells us that there were two men that met them as their boat approached the Gadarene shore.  All three of the Gospels focus on the same one - perhaps the fiercest of the two.  So far was he beyond help that he had been driven away to dwell among the tombs, where he could do harm to no one but himself. Under the power of Satan, he became his own worst enemy… naked, crying out in torment, and cutting himself with stones. The demons within him immediately recognized Jesus and knowing their doom was sure, begged

Him not to send them into the abyss. Jesus commanded him to reveal his name. His response was   chilling -  My name is Legion: for we are many. (Mark 5:9) How is it possible that the human spirit has the capacity to house thousands of demons? And if that’s the case, just imagine how much more of the Holy Spirit are we capable of possessing, (or rather, how much more can the Holy Spirit possess of us)?  

At Christ’s command, the legion of devils was driven from their victim and into a nearby herd of pigs.  Having no power to resist, the herd ran violently off a cliff and drowned in the waters below. Feeling the evil rush of darkness, the disciples stood in awe, as demon powers swept past them like gale force winds.  With a single word, Jesus set free the man who was too strong to be bound by man’s chains but powerless to break the fetters that held his heart. Another storm had been stilled, this one in the realm of the spirit. The proof was in plain sight, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind. (Luke 8:35) After so many years, it could truly be said once again, “And there was a great calm.”  

How touching to hear the man’s heartfelt plea for permission to join His group of followers and go with Him. Equally, how surprising to have that plea denied. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19) Once delivered, we need not fear to return. He who us set us free can keep us free.  Those who knew us in our sin need to see us in our salvation.

The townspeople asked Jesus to leave.  They feared - not knowing the difference between the power of darkness, and the greater power of Christ’s love.  Jesus departed as they requested but left behind a powerful witness who would continue chasing storms in His name. His servant was up for the challenge. The question remains, “Are we?”

Prayer: Lord over all, please bring calm to the storm that rages in me, and let my life show those around me a path to hope and peace.