Author: scott

Pierced for Our Peace

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Shalom

“But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace (shalom) was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

Shalom.  Health, security, tranquility.  A satisfied condition, an unconcerned state of peacefulness.  A sense of well being.  A harmonious state of soul and mind, both externally and internally.  Completeness, harmony, and fulfillment.  The word translated peace in the above verse is literally shalom.  This is what the punishment of Jesus brings us.  That is what He has purchased in His death.

Eirene

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace (eirene) among those with whom He is pleased.” – Luke 2:14

Eirene.  The absence or end of strife.  A state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being.  When the heavenly host sang at the birth of Christ, this is what they promised.  With the birth of Christ, the relationship between God and man was forever changed.  The separation and enmity between God and man that sin had caused could be removed because of the Grace and Mercy of God in sending His Son.  But reconciliation would come at a price.

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace (eirene), according to your word…Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” – Luke 2:29, 34b-35.

Mary “Pierced”

When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, Simeon held the Christ child in his arms. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he blessed Jesus.  Having seen God’s salvation, Simeon could now die in peace.  For Mary, however, there would be pain.  Men’s eternal destiny would be decided by their attitude and relationship with Jesus.  They would “rise” or “fall” accordingly.  The salvation Jesus would offer would cost Him His life and Mary’s soul would be pierced.  As she held her newborn baby in her arms, how much did she comprehend the words of Simeon or the prophesy of Isaiah?  Simeon’s peace would come at a price for Mary.  In the providence of God, piercing and peace are intertwined.

How was Mary’s soul pierced?  By the fulfillment of prophesy.  Parental love is the strongest natural emotion.  Try to read these passages through the eyes of Mary.  This is for identification, not veneration.

Jesus Pierced

“Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.  And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe.  They came up to Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and struck Him with their hands…So he delivered Him over to be crucified.  So they took Jesus, and He went out bearing His own cross, to the place called the place of the Skull…When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took His garments and divided them into four parts…But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother…Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said, ‘I thirst’…When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished’, and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit…When they came to Jesus they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.  But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water…These things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled:  ‘Not one of His bones will be broken.’  And again another scriptures says, ‘They will look on Him whom they have pierced.'”

“His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and His form beyond that of the children of mankind.” – Is. 52:14

The same Mary who carried  the baby Jesus in her arms to the Temple now holds her dead son at the foot of the cross.  As her tears mingle with His blood the words of Simeon come back to her, “A sword will pierce through your own soul.”  Though marred beyond human semblance, her Son is more beautiful than ever.  As her hand caresses the welted body she feels the wound in His side where He was pierced.  He was pierced for you.  He was pierced for her.  Though pierced, Mary’s soul can have access to Heaven because of the Cross.  Because her Son was pierced, she can have peace with the Father.  And so can we.  Like Simeon, we can die in peace; a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well being.  Because Jesus was pierced, we can say, “It is well with my soul.”  “Look on Him whom they have pierced.”

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” – John 14:21

“Behold, His is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him.  Even so. Amen.” – Revelation 1:7

Shalom!

Increasing by Decreasing

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“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30

He must increase  

It is God’s will.  Nothing is more certain than Christ’s glory.  Nothing is going to prevent His exaltation.  All of creation was brought into being for this purpose.  All of creation is sustained for this purpose.  The heavens declare it.  The rocks are willing to shout it out.  History is racing towards it.  As sure as the sun rises in the east, the Son will be lifted up.  He must increase.  The Father will make sure of it.  The Spirit will enable it.  Man will not impede it.  John’s disciples were jealous that the disciples of Jesus were beginning to baptize more people than John.  It was time for the bride to be “handed” over to the Bridegroom.  John’s disciples saw this as a challenge, John the Baptist saw this as a fulfillment of his calling.  He couldn’t have been more pleased.  Despite being at the pinnacle of his popularity, John was ready to descend the mountain.  John was wise enough to recognize there is only room for one at the top.  He prepared the way.  Now it was time to move on.  His voice was soon to be silenced.  If a voice is going to cease, what could be better words to seal the lips, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

I must decrease

John’s was the honor of being the voice in the wilderness.  Being the Herald for the King. But now the King had arrived.  He was not going to compete with Jesus and neither should we.  He encouraged his disciples to follow Christ.  John knew he was a man of limitations.  Jesus was not.  Out of love for his Messiah and his disciples, he encouraged them to abandon him for Christ.  How humble of John.  He submitted to the sovereignty of God, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from Heaven.”  John called people to repentance.  He rebuked the religious leaders.  He challenged Herod.  He even had the honor of baptizing Jesus and announcing Him as the Lamb of God, come to take away the sins of the world.  But John was not the Lamb.  As he reminded his disciples, “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'”  John had an important calling, but he knew his place in life.  He faithfully performed the task God gave him.  He humbly accepted his position. He wisely instructed his jealous followers to follow the Lamb.  This is not a contest, lay down your egos and embrace Jesus.

Full joy

Amazing how a man who empties himself becomes full.  Decreasing leads to increasing.  As we lay aside our pride and empty ourselves for the glory of Christ we are filled with joy.  Listen to John’s words, “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom.  The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.  Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.”  The voice of one crying in the wilderness gives way to the bridegroom’s voice and greatly rejoices.  As a matter of emphasis, he says his joy is now complete!  Christ is exalted in the redemption of His Bride, the Church.  John, like a selfless best man, is filled with joy as He hears the joy of the Bridegroom.  How wise we would be to learn from John.

It was John’s priority to point people to Christ.  We should share this priority.  John recognized the sovereignty of God and submitted to it.  We would be wise to do the same.  John had a calling and was faithful to it.  Every child of God has a calling, may we also be faithful in Christian service.  In humility John emptied himself for the glory of Christ, leading to “complete joy.” Who doesn’t want the same?  Sometimes the best gains are obtained through subtractions.  Christ can be glorified through the death of our pride.  Joy can be obtained by giving up self.  Good lessons for the Bride to learn from the “Best Man.”

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  Jim Elliot

Herod’s Sword

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“Be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.” – Romans 13:4

Herod’s Sword of Authority

The magistrate has the privilege and responsibility of bearing the sword.  The authority to expect submission and the power to enforce.  If wielded according to God’s intention, the sword would be a source of protection to those that abide by the law and a deterrent to those that don’t.  But when the wicked rule, chaos ensues.

The Sword and the Babies

“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men” (Matthew 2:16).  If you like understatements, Herod the Great had issues.  He had three of his sons put to death on suspicion of treason.  He had ten wives and killed his favorite (wonder how he treated the others) as well as a mother-in-law.  He invited the high priest down to Jericho for a swim and drowned him in a game of water polo (rough sport).  He also killed several uncles and a couple of cousins.  Augustus said of Herod the Great, “I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son.”  Quite a character if his pigs had a longer life expectancy than his sons.  Along come three wise men looking for the One who has been born King of the Jews.  Herod is paranoid.  When the wise men do not return to Herod with the whereabouts of Jesus, Herod becomes furious and orders the execution of the male babies.  Innocent voices silenced by the sword of Herod.

“Weeping was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

The Sword and the Baptist

“He sent and had John beheaded in prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother” (Matthew 14:8).  With the death of Herod the Great, the sword was passed to Herod Antipas.  Antipas divorced his first wife and married the ex-wife of his half brother Philip.  John the Baptist was outspoken in his condemnation of this arrangement, leading to his arrest.  While his father struggled with depression and paranoia, Antipas struggled with sensuality and cowardice. Herod made a foolish oath.  The temptress danced for him.  John the Baptist was beheaded.  The voice of one crying in the wilderness, silenced by the sword of Herod.

“What then did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.”

The Sword and James

“About that time, Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.  He killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2).  The sword of Herod was now wielded by Agrippa.  Agrippa was a nephew of Antipas.  Although related, they were not on friendly terms (surprised?).  Agrippa exposed his uncle as a conspirator and had him exiled, thus assuming his position.  According to Josephus, Agrippa was “recklessly extravagant”.  He was deeply in debt and arrested for a sum of money owed to the Treasury.  His father Aristobulus IV was strangled at the order of his grandfather Herod the Great for fear of treason (alluded to above).  It has been said that Herod Agrippa was raised with a strong Jewish identity.  It is obvious that the Herod obsession with blood was prevalent with Agrippa.  Perhaps seeing the young Church as a threat to peace, Agrippa arrested some of its members, including James.  But this alone wasn’t satisfactory to Herod or the Jews he ruled.  Herod thus had James beheaded, just as the Baptist was.  The voice of a son of Thunder, silenced by the sword of Herod.

“And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.  And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.”

The Sword and the Savior

“At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to Him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’  And He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish My course” (Luke 13:31-32).  Herod the Great put to death innocent babies with the sword.  Herod Antipas put to death John the Baptist with the sword.  Herod Agrippa put to death the Apostle James the Greater with the sword.  When news came to Jesus that Herod Antipas wanted to kill Him, Jesus called him a fox and said that His work was unfinished.  In the Jewish culture, a distinction was made between lions (great men) and foxes (lesser men).  There was a famous expression in a Jewish Talmud, “There are lions before you, and you ask foxes?”  A fox threatening the Lion of the tribe of Judah!  Didn’t work so well for Herod.  Jesus put him in his place.  Tell that fox that while he is wielding the sword, I am casting out and curing.  My end is in my own control.  I will dictate how and when.  Your sword may silence others, but it will never silence me.

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.  But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear Him who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell.  Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” – Luke 12:4-5

The Savior’s Sword

We are to respect Herod and his sword.  We are to revere Jesus.  We are to pray for Herod, we are to pray to Jesus.  Herod can kill our body, Jesus alone can save our souls.  Foxes like the Herods come and go, there is only one Jesus, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Because of the blood of Jesus, the babies of Bethlehem, John the Baptist, and James the Greater will spend eternity in Heaven.  No more wicked rulers.  No more chaos.  No more tears for Rachel; her children live.  The Baptist is in the presence of the water of life.  James, the son of Thunder is before the throne from which come, “flashes of lightning, and rumbles and peals of thunder.”  Herod may have a sword, but he will never have the last word.

“In His right hand He held seven stars, from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full strength.” – Revelation 1:16

“The words of Him who has the sharp two-edged sword.  Therefore repent.  If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.” – Revelation 2:12b, 16

Pinions and Plumage of Love

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“The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but are they the pinions and plumage of love?” -Job 39:13

Reading through the book of Job recently I was struck by this verse regarding the ostrich.  I felt like it was new to me.  This rendering is from the ESV which is quite different from other translations I had read before.  Apparently, the ESV version is the literal rendering.  There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what this verse means.  I am no scholar but I would like to share why I found it so convicting.

Vain Wings

Image doesn’t always match reality.  The ostrich is large.  The ostrich is fast.  The ostrich is not intelligent.  According to this text she proudly waves her wings, but why?  She is a bird that can not fly.  Regardless, she wants to “strut her stuff”.  Sounds like she thinks she is a peacock.  But if she lacks love, her pride is in vain.  Listen to what the text says, “For she leaves her eggs to the earth and lets them be warmed on the ground, forgetting that a foot may crush them and that the wild beast may trample them.” While the ostrich is proudly waving her wings, she is neglecting her eggs.  The ostrich doesn’t know any better, but how often do we imitate her?  The Bible tells us that children are a blessing, the world says they are an inconvenience.  Delay having them. Space them apart.  Limit the number.  You have heard all of this and so much more.  I believe the advice has gone beyond the practical and has appealed to our pride.  Instead of being selfless, the world promotes selfishness.  We are encouraged to wave our wings, but are they the pinions and plumage of love?

Buried Eggs

We leave our eggs on the earth and let the sun warm them.  The ostrich wants the sun to incubate her eggs.  We too want to pass off our responsibility for raising and nurturing our children.  Unfortunately, this reflects our tendency to dismiss our most intimate responsibilities.   We have daycares, teachers, grandparents, and others influencing our children often times more than we are as parents.  Not to mention television, video games, and peers.  Some of these things can be positive, but none of them should replace mom and dad.  By neglecting her eggs, the ostrich exposed them the danger of possibly being crushed or trampled by a wild beast.  How many dangers are our children exposed to?  Some are more subtle than others.  Not all make headlines.  For me, indoctrination is a great concern.  We are responsible for making sure our children are not only properly taught and trained in Godliness (Deut. 11:18-19), but we are to protect them from evil as well.  Protecting their young impressionable minds as well as protecting them physically are equally important.  I am not opposed to complimenting parental guidance, but we can’t pass off our primary responsibility.  When we stand before God, He will hold us accountable for the blessing He has bestowed upon us. Flapping your wings before Him will not impress Him.

Cruel not Caring

God progresses from charging the ostrich with neglect, to downright cruelty.  “She deals cruelly with her young, as if they were not hers; though her labor be in vain, yet she has no fear.”  The ostrich not only exposes her offspring to danger, she is cruel to them. Instead of maternal love and nurturing, there is cruelty.  The lack of intimacy combined with her selfishness breeds cruelty.  She treats her offspring as if they were not her own.  Although she carried and delivered her young, she doesn’t care for them.  Her labor was in vain. The text tells us she acts so, “Because God had made her forget wisdom and given her no share in understanding.”  As mentioned earlier, the ostrich is not intelligent.  God did not giver her wisdom.  That is what makes this so convicting.  How is it that man, God’s highest creation can imitate the ostrich?  How can we be so proud?  How can we be so selfish?  What are our priorities?  What is so important that we are willing to neglect our children?  What dangers are we exposing our children to by leaving them to the earth for warming?  Is it really worth it?

Proud or Loving Wings?

“When she rouses herself to flee, she laughs at the horse and his rider.”  The ostrich isn’t a good example as a loving parent, but she is fast.  While she can not fly, the ostrich can outrun a horse.  When threatened, she relies on her speed for self-preservation. She waves her wings proudly, she laughs at the horse and his rider.  But what about joy?  What good are pretty feathers?  What good are fast legs?  How important is self-preservation when we neglect our children?  If our children are crushed and trampled by wild beasts who are we impressing?   How many eggs are being trampled while the ostrich and horse are running?  Do you have an inclination to proudly wave your wings, or do you have pinions and plumage of love?

4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge… – Psalm 91:4

The King’s Mighty Men

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“Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.” – 1 Chronicles 11:10

David’s Mighty Men

King David was a mighty king surrounded by mighty men.  These men were instrumental in making David king.  David had a group of thirty chief men, but exceeding them was a more intimate group of three mighty men, Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah.  By the power of God these men did great exploits.  More importantly, they were fiercely loyal to David.  When David was trapped by the Philistines, he longed for water from the well of Bethlehem.  These three mighty men risked their lives and broke through the camp of the Philistines to get the desired water for David.  Instead of drinking the water that these men risked so much for, David poured out the water as an offering.  Their devotion and willingness to sacrifice for him shamed his physical desire.  A king couldn’t have better men to lead.

Jesus’ Fishermen

Like David, Jesus also had his inner circle.  Three of His apostles He was more intimate with, comprising of Simon, James, and John.  Of the twelve these three were the only ones that Jesus gave surnames.  Simon, He named Peter, and James and John, Boanarges.  Simon became the Rock and James and John the Sons of Thunder.  Three men who walked away from their fishing boats became Jesus’ “three mighty men”.  The fisher of men would use these fishermen to grow His kingdom.  They did not make Jesus King, but Jesus would take these uneducated ordinary men and make them extraordinary.  He would see that they indeed became mighty men.  First, they needed to spend some time with Him.  These men, alone, would be privy to three unique experiences with Jesus.  Experiences that prepared them for their futures.

Power over death

How desperate were Jairus’ pleas for help as he fell at Jesus’ feet?  This synagogue ruler had a young daughter who was very ill.  The crowds were pressing upon Jesus making travel slow.  Before they reached the home of Jairus word came that his daughter was dead.  There was no need to trouble Jesus any further.  But death is no trouble for Jesus.  His response? “Do not fear, only believe.”  Leaving the rest of the throng behind, Jesus allowed only His inner circle of Peter, James, and John to accompany Him to the home.  Upon arriving they found much commotion and mourning.  Jesus told the people not to weep because the child was only sleeping.  The crowd laughed at Him.  Then Jesus and the three went into the girl’s room with her parents.  Jesus approached the corpse and took the girl by the hand saying, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”  She immediately arose and started walking.  Her parents and the apostles were overcome with amazement.  It would be difficult to imagine a more emotional experience.  Mourning was turned to joy, sorrow to gladness.  And yet Jesus charged them to tell no one.

Jesus Glorified

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves.  Jesus was transfigured before them with His face shining like the sun and His clothes as white as light.  No longer were these men by themselves.  Mysteriously, Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus.  Peter was stunned and wanted to make three tents to memorialize the event.  While Peter was still speaking a bright cloud overshadowed them and God spoke from the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.”  Before God, the three mighty men fell on their faces and were terrified.  But Jesus came and touched them saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”  When they lifted their eyes, “only” Jesus remained.  Coming down from the mountain, Jesus told the three men not to speak of the vision until after His resurrection from the dead.

Jesus’ Agony

As His imminent death was approaching, Jesus took His apostles to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Once again Jesus separated Peter, James, and John from the others and asked that they accompany Him a little further into the Garden.  Jesus was sorrowful and very troubled.  He shared with these three that His soul was very sorrowful, “even to death”, and asked them to remain with Him and watch with Him.  Going a little farther, Jesus fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”  After pouring out His heart to His Father in prayer, Jesus went back to the three and found them sleeping.  He rebuked Peter for his inability to watch with Him for even one hour.  He challenged him to watch and pray that he would not fall into temptation, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Jesus went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.”  Once again, Jesus found the three asleep, for their eyes were heavy (i.e. the flesh is weak).  Jesus went away a third time and prayed, and for the third time, He found the three sleeping.   He woke them saying they could rest later, His hour had come, He was being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  “Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

James 

Of the three, James was the first to die.  Herod the king laid “violent hands” on some members of the church including James. With the sword, Herod put James to death.  But James was ready.  He had been with Jesus in the home of Jairus.  Death is no victor, Jesus is.  When Herod laid his violent hands on the church members, James probably repeated the words he heard Jesus say to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.”  After Herod wielded his sword, James was in the presence of the real King.  With a nail scarred hand, Jesus took James by the hand and said, “Mighty James, I say to you, arise.”

John

While James was the first of the three to die, John would be the last.  On the cross, Jesus would entrust the care of His mother Mary to John.  In his old age, John would be given another vision of Jesus in His glory.  On the island of Patmos, John saw Jesus in all His radiance, with hair as white as snow and eyes like blazing fire.  John fell at His feet as though dead, and once again, Jesus put His hand on Him saying, “Do not be afraid.”  Just like he did on the mount of transfiguration.  No longer was it time to be silent.  In all His majesty Jesus held out His hand holding the seven stars and said, “Mighty John, arise and write of My Glory.”

Peter

When the three mighty men fell asleep in Gethsemane, it was Peter that Jesus rebuked for his inability to watch and pray. Jesus challenged him because He did not want Peter to fall into temptation.  While Peter’s spirit was willing, his flesh was weak. While Jesus was in agony, Peter was sleeping.  While Satan was sifting Peter, Jesus was praying.  Peter would have his own Gethsemane.  He would deny Christ three times.  He would weep and repent.  Jesus would restore.  Peter would use his experience to strengthen his brothers.  When Peter was down, Jesus placed His praying hands on him and said, “Mighty Peter, rise, let us be going.”  The betrayer is at hand and there is work to be done.

Are you willing to be mighty?

A King needs mighty men in His kingdom.  Men who know how to live because they are not afraid to die.  Men who will watch and pray.  Men who are serious about walking intimately with Jesus.  If you are willing, the King can make you mighty.  The reward is seeing the King in all of His glory.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished.  And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” –  Acts 4:13

God Created

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“In the beginning, God created…” – Genesis 1:1a

God created 

No mistake.  No random chance.  No compromising.  These two words are foundational to our Faith.  The implications are many, more than I could hope to cover in a blog.  I would however like to touch on a few principles that are important for us as Christians.  First of all, I want to point out the power of God.  God created our universe by speaking it into existence.  Look to the heavens.  Look at wildlife.  Look at the complexity of the human body.  We cannot even begin to fathom the power of God to simply speak creation into existence.  God not only brought our physical world into existence by His Word, but He also uses His Word to bring salvation.  The gospel (good news) is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe.  His Word is sharper than a two edged sword.  It is important that we have faith in the power of God’s Word.

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” – Hebrews 11:3

Our lives have value 

We are not here as a result of some cosmic explosion.  We did not evolve from animal life.  We are not the by product or end product of natural selection.  God created us.  He has a plan for us.  He has a purpose for us.  He has an order of authority.

We were created in His image.  We were created to fellowship with Him.  God loves us, and He has expectations for us.  Our lives have meaning.  Our actions have consequences.  This world is not all there is.  God has breathed immortality into us. There is a distinction between right and wrong (set by God).  How we treat our fellow man is important.  God has created us as male and female, with each sex unique and dependent upon the other.  It is important we recognize that our value is intrinsic.  It is not utilitarian, it is not economic.  Life is not a survival of the fittest.  We are our “brother’s keepers.”

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.” -Matthew 25:40

Authority

This is the principle so many resist.  This is why many promote evolution.  The Creator has authority over His creation and the creation doesn’t want to submit.  Man has a problem with accountability.  We want to rule our own lives and control our own destinies.  Good luck with that.  God is the potter, we are the clay.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  The earth and all who dwell on it belong to God.  His right is to command, our responsibility is to obey.  Plain and simple (or at least clear).  Any authority man has is derived from God.  What appears on the surface to be restricting is really rather liberating.  We just need to humble ourselves and accept it.

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth…” – Acts 17:24

Glory

All of creation was brought for to bring glory to God.  Men want to worship.  It is a universal desire.  The only question is what or whom men will worship.  God is a jealous God.  He does not like when men worship idols (understatement).  We were created to exalt the attributes of God.  No one can compare with His Wisdom.  Nothing can come close to His power.  Nothing is perfect as He is.  No act of love can compare with the cross.  He is eternal, immutable, omniscient, omnipotent, sovereign, etc.  He is pre-existent, He is Creator.  Why would we worship any other?  We need to grasp the truth that God created.  We need to become better acquainted with His attributes.  God created.  May all of His creation give Him the glory He deserves.  That is why He created.

“The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.” –  Psalm 89:11

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” – Psalm 19:1

“Worthy are you our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” – Revelation 4:11

Lost in the House of the Lord

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“I have found the Book of the Law in the House of the Lord.” – 2 Kings 22:8

Jesus “lost” in the House of the Lord

Not much is known about Jesus’ childhood.  Luke chapter two records the account of Joseph and Mary taking Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover when He was twelve years of age.  After the feast, Jesus was left behind inadvertently.  It took a day for Joseph and Mary to realize Jesus was not in their company and they headed back to Jerusalem.  After three days (that magical number) of searching, Jesus was found in the Temple.  When questioned by his distressed parents Jesus told them He wasn’t lost.  Rather He was right where He belonged, in His Father’s house.  Not the first time the Word of God was “lost” right where it was supposed to be.

The Book of the Law lost in the House of the Lord

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign in Jerusalem.  He would reign for thirty-one years.  In the eighteenth year of his reign, the Book of the Law was found in the House of the Lord during a building project.  The book made its way to King Josiah.  When King Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law he tore his clothes.  He was convicted by Truth and feared the wrath of God.  His fear was that the wrath of God would be kindled against His people because they did not obey His word. Apparently, they were ignorant of God’s word because they had “lost” it.  In the House of the Lord?!  God’s verdict, “Behold, I will bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.” (2 Kings 22:16-17). I appreciate Josiah’s desire to repair the Temple, but it makes me wonder what God thinks of building projects while His Word is neglected?  What good are busy hands with idol minds?

God’s Word or Idolatry?

When the Word of God is lost in the House of the Lord, idolatry runs rampant.  How quickly the golden calves come out of the fire when the Word is “silent”.  When the Word is lost, so are the people.  If the “House of the Lord” is not the home of the Word of the Lord what is it?  How many churches in our day have lost the Word?  What type of idolatry is taking place in many of the churches where Christ it supposed to be preached?  Charles Spurgeon was probably one of the greatest preachers and evangelists ever to live.  When asked what his “secret” to preaching was his reply was simple, “I take my  text and make a beeline to the Cross.”  Jesus belongs in every church.  He belongs in every pulpit.  Charles Spurgeon wanted Christ exalted every time he preached.  No tickling ears.  No compromising Truth.  No apologies.  No way!  The Word was not going to be lost on his watch.  I wish every so-called Christian church could say the same, but sadly that is not true.  We could probably go into many churches on any given Sunday and search for Jesus and never find him.  Reason to be distressed for sure.

What’s in your House?

When Joseph and Mary finally found Jesus in the Temple, “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.”  What a picture.  The young Jesus in the Temple sitting, listening and learning.  The greatest Teacher ever, as a child, modeling for His children what they should be doing.  I am thankful for my local church and the faithfulness of the leadership to the Word of God.  Jesus is proclaimed as the Way, the Truth and the Life; without shame.   The Word of God is opened every Sunday and expounded.  Please don’t think I am boasting.  I’m just expressing my gratitude.  Paul admonished Timothy to guard the Treasure that was entrusted to him.  Every Christian church is responsible for doing the same.  The Word should never be lost in the “House of the Lord”.  No Christian should ever take the Word for granted.  Hopefully, it is not lost in your church or your home!

“I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.” – Psalm 119:16

Jars of Clay

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“But we have this treasure in jars of clay.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7a

Jars of clay

Not easy being made from the earth.  In fact, most days it is frustrating.  Being frail isn’t enjoyable.  Every day seems to bring a new ache or pain as we get older.  The illnesses seem to be more frequent.  The cupboards hold more prescriptions.  The hearing declines, the eyes weaken and our memory begins to leave us.  The metabolism slows and time goes quicker.  And this is just the physical realm.   We are also reminded of our frailty by our actions.  We battle with anger.  We struggle with impatience. We can’t tame our tongues.  It is difficult to control our eyes (even righteous Job had to make a covenant with his).  It would be tempting to stay in bed but even there we are subject to atrophy.  We are dust, and to dust we will return.   The jar of clay will become shards.  “In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, and the doors on the street are shut…before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel is broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:3-4,6-7).  But!

We have this treasure

God has not only made man from the earth, He has also chosen men to be His vessels to carry His Gospel.  In these fragile and frail bodies, we have the light of the Gospel.  The privilege was not given to angels, but to you and I.  But!!  The contrast couldn’t be greater.  The Gospel of truth and grace carried in bodies of sufferings and infirmities.  Mortal bodies carrying an eternal Truth.  Dying bodies carrying life giving news.  Our bodies may be the same, but the Gospel has given us a new heart.  Stone has become flesh.  We have a new spirit.  We have The Spirit. We have a responsibility.  “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and then He appeared…” (1 Cor. 15:3-5a).  God “put on” a jar of clay.  The jar was broken on the cross.  But like Gideon’s victory, when the jar was broken the light inside was released.  The breaking was necessary for the victory over darkness.  Jesus was victorious over death.  His victory “spoils” have been entrusted to us.  What a treasure; to share!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  The complete verse tells us why.  We are fragile, God is all powerful.  The Gospel is not dependent on our strength, our intelligence, our looks or our eloquence.  Our weaknesses pose no barrier to the purposes of God.   The power belongs to God and the Glory as well.  Like Paul, we are to deliver as of first importance what we received.  We are jars of clay carrying a treasure, surrounded by jars of clay carrying death.  It’s not easy being made from earth.  Being frail isn’t enjoyable.  Let’s share the Treasure.  God placed it in jars of clay not for safekeeping but for sharing.  Until we return to the earth let’s share the Hope.  God’s surpassing power can turn death into Treasure.  Sort of puts our infirmities in perspective.  What a privilege it is being a jar of clay carrying such a Treasure.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

The Dirty Dozen

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“If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.” – John 13:8b

The Dirty Dozen.  The cast; Peter, James, John, Andrew, Nathanael (Bartholomew), James (the younger), Thaddeus, Matthew (Levi), Philip, Simon, Thomas, and Judas.  Perhaps they had aliases such as Pride, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Gluttony, Greed, Gossip, Liar, Thief, Doubter, and Murderer.  The scene; Upper room, before the Feast of Passover.  Props include basin, towel & water.

First Act

“Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.  During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus. knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper.  He laid aside His outer garments and taking a towel, tied it around His waist.  Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”

Time is winding down.  The shadow of the cross is looming.  Jesus is going to return to the Father, Judas is going to sell out to the Father of Lies.  Jesus loved His own to the end, Satan wants to destroy to the end.  The upper room has a water basin and towel, but no servant.  Or so it appeared. Although the basin and towel could not speak, they were convicting the disciples.  What was going through their minds as they saw these objects?  Apparently, they would rather eat without washing than humble themselves.  Not so with Jesus. Despite the fact that He was their Master, he removed His garments and wrapped the towel around himself and began washing feet.

Second Act

“He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, ‘Lord, do you wash my feet?’  Jesus answered him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will  understand.”  Peter said to Him, ‘You shall never wash my feet.’  Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.’  Simon Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’  Jesus said to him, ‘The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.’  For He knew who was to betray Him; that was why He said, ‘Not all of you are clean.'”

Hard to wash a man’s feet when he keeps them in his mouth!  Jesus is displaying humility, Peter his pride.  Jesus is modeling a profound truth, Peter is showing his ignorance.  If a basin of water is good for me, bring me a tub full!  Peter, what I am doing has Spiritual implications.  Washing your feet isn’t going to remove your sins.  This act of humble service is foreshadowing a greater act of humility.  You may not understand now, but you will after THAT act.  My coming act of humility will cleanse each of you of your sins but one.  But I will still wash his feet, even though he will lift his heel against me.

Third Act 

“When He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done to you?  You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.  Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

Do you understand?  We came into a room to celebrate the Passover.  Here were the necessary items for washing but none of you would humble yourselves.  You just debated who would be the greatest in the Kingdom.  Too often, talk means nothing.  Images, however, can last forever.  How shocked were the twelve when Jesus removed His garments and wrapped Himself in the towel?  What went through their minds as He got on His knees and lifted their feet, one by one, washing and drying them?  Such condescension!  What, if any was the conversation like?  What do you say to your Master when He models such humility?  Perhaps each waited for another to perform this menial task, but Jesus?  The image was probably forever stamped on their minds.  Humble yourselves.

Not all of the Dirty Dozen were at the cross, but their aliases’ were.  Pride and all of the sins she births.  They sent Jesus to the cross.  How repugnant is pride to Jesus?  He knew His disciples would scatter.  He knew they would not all be at the foot of the cross.  Eleven of them would be washed by His blood.  All of them needed an example of humility branded on their minds.  God in human flesh, wrapped in a towel and washing your feet should serve the purpose.  Sin needs to be dealt with, it begins with humbling ourselves.  True humility is grounded in the Truth.  True love is manifested in serving others.  I am convinced that for the remainder of their lives the Apostles pictured Jesus wrapped in a towel every time they saw a water basin.  How much has this example changed our world?  How would our lives be different if we were there?  Don’t wait to be convicted by a water basin.  Lay down your pride, wrap yourself in a towel and begin washing feet.  You have been washed by Jesus.  You have a part with Jesus. What is stopping you from imitating Him?  Hopefully not pride.  Jesus humbled Himself to wash you of it.

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” – John 13:17

Great(est) Expectations

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Old expectations

My name is Philip; my friends call me Pip.   My heritage is Jewish; my name is Greek.  My hopes are old; my anguish is not.  Such is life in Bethsaida of Galilee under Roman oppression. While we wait for the hand of God, we experience the fist of Caesar.  The promises of Moses seem so distant.  God has been silent for a long time.  How many hearts have grown cold waiting for the deliverer?  We try to live with our hopes up, the reality is we live with low expectations.  With each passing generation there is less to kindle hopes fires.

Follow me

That’s what the stranger said to me.  Amazing how two simple words can turn one’s world upside down.  A simple carpenter.  A simple command.  I followed.  How could I not?  This was the one Moses wrote about.  Jesus, son of Joseph from Nazareth.  He came to Galilee and found me!  I found my friend Nathanael and told him about Jesus.  He was skeptical but he followed too.  Somehow Jesus knew Nathanael before He met him.  Jesus promised we would see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.  Here were some sparks to kindle hope’s fires.

Watch me

Water into wine.  Cleansing of the temple.  Healing the ill.  Healing the lame.  I was amazed at what Jesus could do, yet I didn’t completely comprehend.  My test came by the sea of Tiberias.  A multitude followed Jesus.  He looked on the crowd with sympathy.  He looked to me and asked how we could feed them.  I relied on my own logic when Jesus wanted me to exercise faith.  How quickly one forgets what Jesus is capable of doing.  Jesus turned a little boys lunch into a feast for thousands.  Some things logic can’t explain.  My faith needed maturing.  My expectations needed raising.

Imitate Me

It was one thing to witness the authority of Jesus.  Exercising it was entirely different.  The day came when Jesus called us twelve together and gave us the authority to cast out evil spirits and heal every kind of disease and illness.  We preached that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.  The sick were healed.  The dead were raised.  Lepers were cured and demons were cast out.  Sinners repented.  Roman oppression cannot touch the Kingdom of Heaven.  Unlike the hand of God, Caesar’s reach is limited.

Show us

Three years with Jesus and I still had more to learn.  Jesus was teaching us about a home He was going to prepare for us.  He was teaching us about the Father.  Words I wasn’t comprehending.  I wanted something tangible.  “Lord, show us the Father,” I said.  “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”  Jesus had shown us the Father for three years.  I didn’t recognize the tangible.  No wonder I didn’t comprehend the words.

Exceed Me

Jesus was going back to the Father.  He was going to send the Holy Spirit.  The command to follow now gave way to the promise of exceeding.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me, will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”  Jesus came to Galilee and found me.  He called me to follow Him.  I abandoned everything in obedience.  I wasn’t quick to grasp the significance of His teachings.  Who was?  Walking with God on a daily basis takes some getting used to.  So do great expectations.  With the Holy Spirit indwelling us, hopes fire will burn perpetually.

New reality

As impressive as the physical miracles are, they cannot compare to those in the spiritual realm.  God took this Jew with a Greek name and used him to help convert the Gentiles.  Stone hearts were made alive.  Sinners were turned into worshipers. Amazing what happens when you follow a carpenter.  Humbling when old expectations become new realities.  Jesus came to your Galilee and found you.  He gave you the simple command, “Follow me.”  God has the greatest expectations of you.  He has equipped you to do the greatest work.  May He find us faithful to the calling.

“Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” – John 14:13-14

“I found myself with a perseverance worthy of a much better cause.” Charles Dickens, Great Expectations