Are you bold? It takes a lot of confidence to pull off bold. It helps to know who you are and to have embraced your purpose and direction. As we examine the Cross this week we should take note that Jesus did not just give himself over to death on the cross; he embraced it with boldness and determination. He knew this was the will of Father and it was his purpose to carry out his will. So he stepped forward in the confidence of the relationship.
People with experience are bold. People who believe what they are saying are bold. People who trust the authority they represent are bold. We see it in all kinds of people throughout our day from teachers to police officers, from doctors to parents. But their boldness is limited to the limited boldness of this world system. For Jesus to step out in such boldness he had to believe in something beyond this limited world; he had to believe in the plan of Father and that belief came from his relationship of trust.
Let's shift from the Cross for a minute and consider Joshua. Joshua was Moses' assistant and had been trained under him for over forty years. That's longer than the working career of most people. He got to see first hand the incredible relationship between Yahweh and Moses, got to experience the miracles, saw Moses intercede countless time on behalf of the unfaithful Jews, and became the general of the national army under the guidance of Moses. So when Joshua was appointed by Yahweh to take over from Moses as leader, entering the promised land, he had a great relationship of trust with the Lord.
Joshua was able to step out in boldness because he knew his calling and purpose, and he personally knew the one who called him:
"Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land, which I pledged to give to their ancestors." (Joshua 1:6)
It should be no different for us. We have been called by Jesus to more than just our personal salvation. That salvation allows us to enter into a greater relationship with Yahweh than either Moses or Joshua had with him. They were not one with God by the Holy Spirit and we are. Our boldness should be even greater because our calling is specific and directly from the Lord:
“All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
“It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)
Boldness. That is what we have because of our intimate relationship with Jesus, knowing and understanding our purpose. It doesn't matter what anyone else in this world says, we know what we must do. Jesus had to face the cross without the support of his disciples because even they tried to turn him from it. They did not understand, but they understood after the Resurrection. Jesus had to face the cross alone, simply knowing it was Father's will. It is the same reason we can face what we must, alone if need be, with people against us. We know who we are in Jesus. We know who he is in us. And we know our purpose.
"Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land."
"God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Cleaning House
In the final week before the crucifixion Jesus was in no mood for fooling around. These were the last few days and every moment mattered. It makes sense then that we would pay close attention to what he said and what he did with his time.
After arriving in the city to much fanfare from those who knew him, Jesus went to the Temple. It only makes sense that this is the first place he would go; it was the center of all religious activity. More personally, it was his Father's house. Imagine the disappointment he felt when we walked in and found a market place. I am sure that every Israelite who made the pilgrimage felt a similar disappointment. It may even be the same disappointment that seekers of God today feel when they walk into some of our churches.
In his authority Jesus stepped in and chased the marketers out and told everyone who was willing to listen:
"He said to them,'It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.'” (Matthew 21:13)
Imagine how he feels about what we have done with his Church, our mentality of marketing, which has turned the Church into big business. We can justify it many different ways but we need to ask ourselves some honest questions about purpose, perspective, power, expectation. Then we need to look at what Jesus did after he cleansed the Temple:
"People who were blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them." (v 14)
In the days to follow Jesus will heal many more people and will teach great spiritual insights in the Temple. Today, we have turned our Churches into social work centers, running food programs, day cares, AA meetings, exercise groups and many other great programs, to show that the Church is relevant today. Yet, we fail to do what Jesus did.
We pray with people as a way of encouraging them, but we don't have people lining up to be healed. They don't come because we don't believe it happens. It is not that they don't believe; we don't believe. God's House, the Church, is no longer a house of prayer, where God moves and miracles happen. We are a place of business, managing our money, and meeting as many needs as we can within our means.
There is a difference between good stewardship and faithless business. People come seeking and they are disappointed with what they find. They are not looking for a group to help them with their hospital bills; they want healing. They are not looking for someone to call in their loneliness; they want the emptiness to be filled with Jesus. They don't want a long list of suicide prevention numbers; they want the spirit of depression to be cast out. They aren't looking for a floor show; they want to see God.
After arriving in the city to much fanfare from those who knew him, Jesus went to the Temple. It only makes sense that this is the first place he would go; it was the center of all religious activity. More personally, it was his Father's house. Imagine the disappointment he felt when we walked in and found a market place. I am sure that every Israelite who made the pilgrimage felt a similar disappointment. It may even be the same disappointment that seekers of God today feel when they walk into some of our churches.
In his authority Jesus stepped in and chased the marketers out and told everyone who was willing to listen:
"He said to them,'It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.'” (Matthew 21:13)
Imagine how he feels about what we have done with his Church, our mentality of marketing, which has turned the Church into big business. We can justify it many different ways but we need to ask ourselves some honest questions about purpose, perspective, power, expectation. Then we need to look at what Jesus did after he cleansed the Temple:
"People who were blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them." (v 14)
In the days to follow Jesus will heal many more people and will teach great spiritual insights in the Temple. Today, we have turned our Churches into social work centers, running food programs, day cares, AA meetings, exercise groups and many other great programs, to show that the Church is relevant today. Yet, we fail to do what Jesus did.
We pray with people as a way of encouraging them, but we don't have people lining up to be healed. They don't come because we don't believe it happens. It is not that they don't believe; we don't believe. God's House, the Church, is no longer a house of prayer, where God moves and miracles happen. We are a place of business, managing our money, and meeting as many needs as we can within our means.
There is a difference between good stewardship and faithless business. People come seeking and they are disappointed with what they find. They are not looking for a group to help them with their hospital bills; they want healing. They are not looking for someone to call in their loneliness; they want the emptiness to be filled with Jesus. They don't want a long list of suicide prevention numbers; they want the spirit of depression to be cast out. They aren't looking for a floor show; they want to see God.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Passion Week: The Arrest
... and the chaos descended.
The disciples woke suddenly to the sound of voices and the noise of a crowd. People never looked for them here. How did the multitude track them down?
But as their eyes focused and they saw the Master speaking to this group of men, they could see that something was wrong. These men were armed and did not look friendly. As they rushed to their Master's side they heard their words:
Don't you think for a moment that anyone trapped the Master. Don't think for an instant that any one group is responsible for what happened. Jesus knew. He knew and he submitted himself to it. It was the plan. The Father's plan. No one took his life. He voluntarily, out of obedience, laid it down.
Just as he said he would.
Jesus reached out and touched the injured man. He healed his enemy.
Out of his great love God was reaching out. He was reaching out to his enemy, to heal them of their sickness.
To the crowd.
“Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
With that the disciples of Jesus fled into the night.
Panic. Fear. Dread. Anxiety. Confusion. Numbness.
Into the unwelcoming cover of darkness.
And as they looked back over their shoulder, they saw the Master being led away...
The disciples woke suddenly to the sound of voices and the noise of a crowd. People never looked for them here. How did the multitude track them down?
But as their eyes focused and they saw the Master speaking to this group of men, they could see that something was wrong. These men were armed and did not look friendly. As they rushed to their Master's side they heard their words:
“Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth.”
“I am he.”
Then suddenly this crowd of angry men fell backwards. The disciples could feel a great power of authority from their Master and they looked at him, bewildered.
That is when Judas stepped forward and greeted the Master. Where had he been? Why was he with these men? Then they heard Jesus again:
"Do what you have come to do."
Then everything went crazy.
The men quickly grabbed Jesus. Panic struck. The disciples tried to protect him. A sword appeared. An ear went flying. Cries. Screams. Fists. What was this? What had happened?
Then the Master's voice.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Don't you think for a moment that anyone trapped the Master. Don't think for an instant that any one group is responsible for what happened. Jesus knew. He knew and he submitted himself to it. It was the plan. The Father's plan. No one took his life. He voluntarily, out of obedience, laid it down.
Just as he said he would.
Jesus reached out and touched the injured man. He healed his enemy.
Out of his great love God was reaching out. He was reaching out to his enemy, to heal them of their sickness.
To the crowd.
“Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
With that the disciples of Jesus fled into the night.
Panic. Fear. Dread. Anxiety. Confusion. Numbness.
Into the unwelcoming cover of darkness.
And as they looked back over their shoulder, they saw the Master being led away...
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Love, Trust, Obedience
Easter is a glorious day, a wonderful day, the Resurrection Day. Because of the events of this day everything changed for all of time and beyond. With the cross we have salvation. Our sins were paid for and forgiveness is available for anyone who seeks it. But the cross is the stepping stone to something unbelievably fantastic. On this day death was beaten. On this day a new creation was revealed. This is the day of a new beginning and it started when the Father brought his son from the dead. He is Risen!
The thing that has really fascinated me this year, as I have reflected on the events of the cross and the empty grave, is the Father's will. Jesus told us all the way along that he did not come in his own authority but the Father's and he demonstrated this relationship of love in word and deed:
I tell you for certain that the Son cannot do anything on his own. He can do only what he sees the Father doing, and he does exactly what he sees the Father do. (John 5:19, CEV)
It astonishes me that despite what Jesus declared about his death, some still believe that he died at the hands of the Jews. It was his Father's will that he die in our place:
The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do. (John 10:17-18, CEV)
You see, the cross was more than just Jesus loving us and dying for us. It goes deeper than that and speaks of the relationship we are suppose to have with God. Jesus went to the cross because he loved his Father and would never do anything in rebellion against his him. His love meant that he trusted, even through the torture and death of the cross. Each step he took was taken in obedience and was an act of love.
Easter should be a lesson to us of love, trust and obedience for we are born of rebellion. There isn't a parent reading this who does not understand about love, trust and obedience. When our children are young they have nothing but love and adoration for us. Obedience is not always easy to children because of their rebellious nature but love is a great restraint. Although never perfect, our children loved to do what we said. If we asked them to get our slippers they would. If we asked them to help us with the dishes they would, eagerly. But as children get older, things change.
Children become more self-absorbed. The world starts revolving around them. They want to be their own bosses. They choose to no longer recognize the authority of their parents. Love has diminished so trust of the rules and their parents' wisdom also diminishes. Parents' hearts are crushed and there is natural consequences to rebellious acts. Sound familiar? It should. It is what happened in the garden.
Before the cross and the resurrection rebellion is all we knew, all that we could do. We could not obey God no matter how noble our intention. Look to David as an example. A man who loved God and who God loved. But that love could not save David from rebellion because only Jesus can save. Jesus' resurrection and the giving of the Holy Spirit ushered in a new era, the era of the new creation. The authority of the old nature was cut and we were given the freedom to choose.
Obedience is a choice; a daily choice; a moment by moment choice. But we have problems with choices because we are also an undisciplined people. We know what is good for us. We know that smoking kills but we choose to smoke. We know we need fruit and vegetables for our bodies to function properly but we choose pop and chips. We know that we need proper exercise to feel great and have plenty of energy, but we love our television and video games. We are bad at making good choices.
Jesus has done everything that needs to be done for us. He has opened the doors wide and said walk through. He became the first born of a new creation so that we may have all that has been promised. He did not stay so he could send to us the Holy Spirit. We are equipped to be obedient. But obedience is only possible when love is the motivation:
If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me. (John 14:23-24, CEV)
In death and in life Jesus has set for us the example of love. He loved the Father, represented the Father, taught what he was told to teach, did what he was told to do. He faced the cruelty of the cross, the ugliness of the grave and in obedience, rose from the dead to take his place at the right hand of the Father.
Easter is about victory won through love, trust and obedience. Our life should be about the same. Yes, let's celebrate the victory won on this day but let us also ask the question, "Do I love Jesus? Do I trust him? Do I walk in obedience to him?"
The thing that has really fascinated me this year, as I have reflected on the events of the cross and the empty grave, is the Father's will. Jesus told us all the way along that he did not come in his own authority but the Father's and he demonstrated this relationship of love in word and deed:
I tell you for certain that the Son cannot do anything on his own. He can do only what he sees the Father doing, and he does exactly what he sees the Father do. (John 5:19, CEV)
It astonishes me that despite what Jesus declared about his death, some still believe that he died at the hands of the Jews. It was his Father's will that he die in our place:
The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do. (John 10:17-18, CEV)
You see, the cross was more than just Jesus loving us and dying for us. It goes deeper than that and speaks of the relationship we are suppose to have with God. Jesus went to the cross because he loved his Father and would never do anything in rebellion against his him. His love meant that he trusted, even through the torture and death of the cross. Each step he took was taken in obedience and was an act of love.
Easter should be a lesson to us of love, trust and obedience for we are born of rebellion. There isn't a parent reading this who does not understand about love, trust and obedience. When our children are young they have nothing but love and adoration for us. Obedience is not always easy to children because of their rebellious nature but love is a great restraint. Although never perfect, our children loved to do what we said. If we asked them to get our slippers they would. If we asked them to help us with the dishes they would, eagerly. But as children get older, things change.
Children become more self-absorbed. The world starts revolving around them. They want to be their own bosses. They choose to no longer recognize the authority of their parents. Love has diminished so trust of the rules and their parents' wisdom also diminishes. Parents' hearts are crushed and there is natural consequences to rebellious acts. Sound familiar? It should. It is what happened in the garden.
Before the cross and the resurrection rebellion is all we knew, all that we could do. We could not obey God no matter how noble our intention. Look to David as an example. A man who loved God and who God loved. But that love could not save David from rebellion because only Jesus can save. Jesus' resurrection and the giving of the Holy Spirit ushered in a new era, the era of the new creation. The authority of the old nature was cut and we were given the freedom to choose.
Obedience is a choice; a daily choice; a moment by moment choice. But we have problems with choices because we are also an undisciplined people. We know what is good for us. We know that smoking kills but we choose to smoke. We know we need fruit and vegetables for our bodies to function properly but we choose pop and chips. We know that we need proper exercise to feel great and have plenty of energy, but we love our television and video games. We are bad at making good choices.
Jesus has done everything that needs to be done for us. He has opened the doors wide and said walk through. He became the first born of a new creation so that we may have all that has been promised. He did not stay so he could send to us the Holy Spirit. We are equipped to be obedient. But obedience is only possible when love is the motivation:
If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me. (John 14:23-24, CEV)
In death and in life Jesus has set for us the example of love. He loved the Father, represented the Father, taught what he was told to teach, did what he was told to do. He faced the cruelty of the cross, the ugliness of the grave and in obedience, rose from the dead to take his place at the right hand of the Father.
Easter is about victory won through love, trust and obedience. Our life should be about the same. Yes, let's celebrate the victory won on this day but let us also ask the question, "Do I love Jesus? Do I trust him? Do I walk in obedience to him?"
Saturday, March 30, 2013
The Awkwardness Of Saturday
Silence.
That's the awkwardness of Saturday.
Silence.
It's amazing how much can change with a blink of time. Only a couple of days ago Jesus was teaching in the temple. Now he lies buried in a borrowed tomb.
On this Sabbath day, the disciples will not gather to worship and pray.
They will not participate with Jesus in any healings, feedings, teachings, or anything else.
On this Sabbath day the Messiah, the King, the Son of God lay in a tomb.
Silence.
The only thing the disciples will do today is try to find each other.
Try to to stop from weeping.
Try to console themselves that they had no choice.
They had to run away.
Jesus wouldn't let them fight for him.
Poor Peter.
"I will never deny you Lord."
"Even if I must die, I will never leave you."
Poor Peter. A broken man.
They did not know what we know now. They had no idea what follows the awkward silence. They could not even imagine, even though Jesus had made it plain to them.
For them, today is a horrible day.
A broken day.
A hopeless day.
A dark day.
A silent day.
Funny how even the Word of God is silent on this awkward day.
That's the awkwardness of Saturday.
Silence.
It's amazing how much can change with a blink of time. Only a couple of days ago Jesus was teaching in the temple. Now he lies buried in a borrowed tomb.
On this Sabbath day, the disciples will not gather to worship and pray.
They will not participate with Jesus in any healings, feedings, teachings, or anything else.
On this Sabbath day the Messiah, the King, the Son of God lay in a tomb.
Silence.
The only thing the disciples will do today is try to find each other.
Try to to stop from weeping.
Try to console themselves that they had no choice.
They had to run away.
Jesus wouldn't let them fight for him.
Poor Peter.
"I will never deny you Lord."
"Even if I must die, I will never leave you."
Poor Peter. A broken man.
They did not know what we know now. They had no idea what follows the awkward silence. They could not even imagine, even though Jesus had made it plain to them.
For them, today is a horrible day.
A broken day.
A hopeless day.
A dark day.
A silent day.
Funny how even the Word of God is silent on this awkward day.
Friday, March 29, 2013
It Was All For You
It is finished!
Done.
Completed.
Over with.
The nails have pierced his skin.
The last words were spoken.
The last taunts were offered up.
Forgiveness was given.
The last breaths were breathed.
The side was pierced.
The blood has flowed.
The tears have been cried.
The rain has fallen.
The earth has shook.
The curtain torn.
Everything changed.
The Creator died.
Everything changed.
The power of sin is broken.
Everything changed.
Redemption has been won.
By Jesus.
For us.
But the cost ...
The body is perfumed.
The tomb is sealed.
Hearts are broken.
Reality beckons.
Despair sets in.
Alone.
Lost.
Confused.
Forgotten.
Separated.
Now we wait.
Behind closed doors.
A blanket of fear pulled tight.
Will it happen?
Will we see the sign of Jonah?
Was this more than a day off for you?
Don`t you get it?
It's all about you!
It was all for you.
Done.
Completed.
Over with.
The nails have pierced his skin.
The last words were spoken.
The last taunts were offered up.
Forgiveness was given.
The last breaths were breathed.
The side was pierced.
The blood has flowed.
The tears have been cried.
The rain has fallen.
The earth has shook.
The curtain torn.
Everything changed.
The Creator died.
Everything changed.
The power of sin is broken.
Everything changed.
Redemption has been won.
By Jesus.
For us.
But the cost ...
The body is perfumed.
The tomb is sealed.
Hearts are broken.
Reality beckons.
Despair sets in.
Alone.
Lost.
Confused.
Forgotten.
Separated.
Now we wait.
Behind closed doors.
A blanket of fear pulled tight.
Will it happen?
Will we see the sign of Jonah?
Was this more than a day off for you?
Don`t you get it?
It's all about you!
It was all for you.
The Weight Of The Cross
Pilate has questioned him. Herod has dismissed him. The crowd has rejected him. The soldiers have beaten him. Now he carries the cross.
Perhaps at the darkest moments of our lives we have imagined such cruelty on our worse enemies, but on the innocent?
Jesus never got involved in politics. He didn't seem to care who held power in Israel. He didn't try to become king. In fact, he avoided it, leaving when he thought the crowd was going to force it on him. He didn't fault the Pharisees for trying to keep the traditions from being diluted by the powerful Greek culture. His problem with them was only that they allowed such traditions to take priority over people's relationship with God.
Jesus was an innocent. A man feared by the powerful because of his innocence and purity. And here he walked, beaten, almost to death, exhausted, no strength left, forced to carry this cruel instrument of death. He was a dead man walking.
But even in this there was no peace.
Even in this he was taunted, spat on, despised. No rest for the wicked. But he was the opposite of wicked. He was the essence of goodness and love.
Here he was an innocent. A victim of Rome? A victim of the Jews? Hardly! They had no authority over him, except for what his Father gave them.
Yes, Jesus chose the Father's will over his own. This was his Father's doing. This was the way of redemption for all of creation. The only way.
So on he went. To do his Father's will. Because he loved his Father and obedience, even in death, was never a second thought.
How much did you say you love Jesus? Enough to bey him?
Thank you for the cross. May I have as much determination, love and selflessness to carry my own.
Perhaps at the darkest moments of our lives we have imagined such cruelty on our worse enemies, but on the innocent?
Jesus never got involved in politics. He didn't seem to care who held power in Israel. He didn't try to become king. In fact, he avoided it, leaving when he thought the crowd was going to force it on him. He didn't fault the Pharisees for trying to keep the traditions from being diluted by the powerful Greek culture. His problem with them was only that they allowed such traditions to take priority over people's relationship with God.
Jesus was an innocent. A man feared by the powerful because of his innocence and purity. And here he walked, beaten, almost to death, exhausted, no strength left, forced to carry this cruel instrument of death. He was a dead man walking.
But even in this there was no peace.
Even in this he was taunted, spat on, despised. No rest for the wicked. But he was the opposite of wicked. He was the essence of goodness and love.
Here he was an innocent. A victim of Rome? A victim of the Jews? Hardly! They had no authority over him, except for what his Father gave them.
Yes, Jesus chose the Father's will over his own. This was his Father's doing. This was the way of redemption for all of creation. The only way.
So on he went. To do his Father's will. Because he loved his Father and obedience, even in death, was never a second thought.
How much did you say you love Jesus? Enough to bey him?
Thank you for the cross. May I have as much determination, love and selflessness to carry my own.
What Will This Day Be To You?
The betrayal has happened. The arrest took place. His disciples have all scattered. He stands alone. He has been questioned by the high priest. He has already been beaten. And now Peter has disowned him. He stands alone.
There is still a long day ahead for him. There is still Pilot.There is still Herod. There is still the beatings, the whips, the mocking, the condemnation. And at the end of it there is the cross. There is death.
Every step he takes is one step closer. Every breath he takes is a breath closer.
"Not my will but yours be done."
It was about his Father's will. It was always about his Father's will. He would do anything for his Father, who he loved and trusted. Jesus set the example for us.
He prayed it. He lived it. He walked in it. And now he stands alone. He stands alone to face what we should have and he did it because his Father willed it. He willed it for us, so we would never have to face it.
Will today be just another day for you? A holiday? A day to sleep in? Maybe just another day of work? Nothing special?
This is Crucifixion Day. This is the day that marks the moment the Creator went to bat for the creation. This is the day we mark, the day Jesus gave his all so we could receive God's all. Walk with him through it today.
At this moment Jesus stood alone but he stands alone no longer. Today he sits at the right hand of the Father and we are seated there with him; his Bride; the Church he redeemed by his blood. But it didn't come cheap. It came with the price of the cross. Let it be a day of praise as we rejoice in the goodness of our God.
There is still a long day ahead for him. There is still Pilot.There is still Herod. There is still the beatings, the whips, the mocking, the condemnation. And at the end of it there is the cross. There is death.
Every step he takes is one step closer. Every breath he takes is a breath closer.
"Not my will but yours be done."
It was about his Father's will. It was always about his Father's will. He would do anything for his Father, who he loved and trusted. Jesus set the example for us.
He prayed it. He lived it. He walked in it. And now he stands alone. He stands alone to face what we should have and he did it because his Father willed it. He willed it for us, so we would never have to face it.
Will today be just another day for you? A holiday? A day to sleep in? Maybe just another day of work? Nothing special?
This is Crucifixion Day. This is the day that marks the moment the Creator went to bat for the creation. This is the day we mark, the day Jesus gave his all so we could receive God's all. Walk with him through it today.
At this moment Jesus stood alone but he stands alone no longer. Today he sits at the right hand of the Father and we are seated there with him; his Bride; the Church he redeemed by his blood. But it didn't come cheap. It came with the price of the cross. Let it be a day of praise as we rejoice in the goodness of our God.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Leader-Managers or Leader-Servants
Here we are, the day before the crucifixion, the day before Jesus was cruelly beaten and then nailed to the cross. Completely innocent of all charges but it was never about the charges and always about the Father's plan. Jesus' death was not a mistake but the plan since before the beginning of time. Unfortunately Jesus' disciples could not imagine what was about to happen and so missed all the foreshadowing Jesus gave them.
Now imagine that you are about to face a time of cruel torture. You know what is about to happen and you know it is not your fault but you are still going to be facing the hardest moment of your life. And while you are preparing yourself and your friends for what you are about to go through, your friends start fighting over something insignificant. Not only is it insignificant but it goes against what your life has stood for. They just don't know you at all. I wonder if that is how Jesus felt.
Here Jesus was, preparing his last meal, stealing himself for the onslaught that will take place in a few hours, and his disciples start arguing about who of them is the greatest. The argument arose when Jesus revealed that one of them would betray him. I can see how that could happen to these pre-Spirit-filled disciples.Each would be defending themselves from the thought it could me one of them which would lead to "I love him more than you" which would lead to "I am greater than you, look at all I have done." Jesus must have lost his appetite.
In his typical nature, Jesus gently corrected his disciples and reminded them what he had been teaching and demonstrating from the beginning. It is a lesson we would do well to learn and apply to our own service to the King:
Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone’s friends. But don’t be like them. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant. (Luke 22:25-26, CEV)
We hear far too much about leadership these days. All people seem interested in is developing leaders and everyone wants to be a leader, but what we need to be doing is developing servants. "Don't be like them" is what Jesus says but we run after classes and courses that are based on best business practices in leadership development,from the world. Crazy. The only example we should be learning from is Jesus.
I have met too many pastors who act like world based leaders. They are powerful, professional, intelligent and run a well organized church. Their church is run like a well oiled organization or small business. But they act like the church owes them something, like a CEO expecting good bonuses for his hard work. Yes, they work hard but no one owes us anything, at least not in the sense the pastors think. God says that people need to take care of those who minister to them but it is a completely different sense than what these pastors were thinking.
Ministers of the gospel are servants and their purpose is to live and die for their sheep. They sacrifice in the same way Jesus did, where there is nothing held back and everything that is given is poured out. It is not a life of ease or popular vote. Pastors have to teach just as Jesus did, whether people like it or not. They have to deal with the tough stuff and if it costs them their lives to bring the truth then so be it.
Pastors are not managers. They do not manage finances, buildings or people. Pastors are servants who minister the Word of God, operating through the Spirit of God, to bring good food to God's children, to be wise in God's will and to plead for the lost to turn to Jesus. Unfortunately too many of us still have the mentality of the early disciples and try to be the "greatest" in the Kingdom. Jesus is not interested in how big the church is we "manage" but instead looks to our faithfulness in our service, regardless of where he has placed us to serve.
We who are pastors have a great responsibility to sacrifice everything to share with everyone everything we have been given by the Spirit. It is wrong for us to measure success in offering amounts, size of our building or the numbers in our congregation. The number of books we have written, the time spent on speaking tours amounts to nothing compared to setting it all aside to sacrifice all we have achieved to bring Jesus to those who need him at that moment. We are servants here, not lords. We are servants, not kings. We are willing to be abused in order to have one opportunity to help someone with Jesus.
As we consider the cross and what it cost Jesus, let's consider whether our attitude and service are pleasing to him. After all, it isn't about us and all about our King.
Now imagine that you are about to face a time of cruel torture. You know what is about to happen and you know it is not your fault but you are still going to be facing the hardest moment of your life. And while you are preparing yourself and your friends for what you are about to go through, your friends start fighting over something insignificant. Not only is it insignificant but it goes against what your life has stood for. They just don't know you at all. I wonder if that is how Jesus felt.
Here Jesus was, preparing his last meal, stealing himself for the onslaught that will take place in a few hours, and his disciples start arguing about who of them is the greatest. The argument arose when Jesus revealed that one of them would betray him. I can see how that could happen to these pre-Spirit-filled disciples.Each would be defending themselves from the thought it could me one of them which would lead to "I love him more than you" which would lead to "I am greater than you, look at all I have done." Jesus must have lost his appetite.
In his typical nature, Jesus gently corrected his disciples and reminded them what he had been teaching and demonstrating from the beginning. It is a lesson we would do well to learn and apply to our own service to the King:
Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone’s friends. But don’t be like them. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant. (Luke 22:25-26, CEV)
We hear far too much about leadership these days. All people seem interested in is developing leaders and everyone wants to be a leader, but what we need to be doing is developing servants. "Don't be like them" is what Jesus says but we run after classes and courses that are based on best business practices in leadership development,from the world. Crazy. The only example we should be learning from is Jesus.
I have met too many pastors who act like world based leaders. They are powerful, professional, intelligent and run a well organized church. Their church is run like a well oiled organization or small business. But they act like the church owes them something, like a CEO expecting good bonuses for his hard work. Yes, they work hard but no one owes us anything, at least not in the sense the pastors think. God says that people need to take care of those who minister to them but it is a completely different sense than what these pastors were thinking.
Ministers of the gospel are servants and their purpose is to live and die for their sheep. They sacrifice in the same way Jesus did, where there is nothing held back and everything that is given is poured out. It is not a life of ease or popular vote. Pastors have to teach just as Jesus did, whether people like it or not. They have to deal with the tough stuff and if it costs them their lives to bring the truth then so be it.
Pastors are not managers. They do not manage finances, buildings or people. Pastors are servants who minister the Word of God, operating through the Spirit of God, to bring good food to God's children, to be wise in God's will and to plead for the lost to turn to Jesus. Unfortunately too many of us still have the mentality of the early disciples and try to be the "greatest" in the Kingdom. Jesus is not interested in how big the church is we "manage" but instead looks to our faithfulness in our service, regardless of where he has placed us to serve.
We who are pastors have a great responsibility to sacrifice everything to share with everyone everything we have been given by the Spirit. It is wrong for us to measure success in offering amounts, size of our building or the numbers in our congregation. The number of books we have written, the time spent on speaking tours amounts to nothing compared to setting it all aside to sacrifice all we have achieved to bring Jesus to those who need him at that moment. We are servants here, not lords. We are servants, not kings. We are willing to be abused in order to have one opportunity to help someone with Jesus.
As we consider the cross and what it cost Jesus, let's consider whether our attitude and service are pleasing to him. After all, it isn't about us and all about our King.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Hope Realized In The Seemingly Insignificant
Have you ever been in a stressful situation where the stress seemed like it was going to cut off your ability to breathe? Perhaps it was during exam time or maybe you had to face the boss about a big error you had made. Maybe you had fallen behind in your payments and the pressure was mounting. Maybe your test results came back and the doctor wanted to see you. I think we all have had a time or two when we thought the stress would kill us.
Did you notice during those times how you took comfort in the little things? Do you remember that cup of tea that tasted like a million dollars? Or that phone call with your sister when you didn't really talk about anything? Maybe it was that walk you took with your significant other and all you did was hold hands. Perhaps it was sitting alone on that park bench watching the sun disappear over the horizon. It is amazing how in the stresses of life it is the seemingly insignificant that grounds us and gives us some hope. For Jesus that moment came from a widow.
Too often we take what Jesus did as a non-event. What's the big deal, he never felt stress? We forget that Jesus came as one of us, with all the traps, pitfalls, emotions, temptations. The only difference was that he overcame all the failings and remained perfect. But just from what we are told of what happened in the garden, we know Jesus was feeling the stress of the situation. These were the last couple of days before the crucifixion and he didn't want to do it. He was doing it because obedience to his father's will was more important than anything else.
Remember with what Jesus was surrounded. He saw a people led astray, leaders who cared only for themselves. He saw a people who were so lost in religion that they couldn't even recognize the Creator who walked among them. He saw the filth of sin and a lack of faith. He saw, after 3 years, that only a glimmer of what was taught had been held on to. He saw a people who just couldn't grasp the reality of the situation. And then along came the widow.
Remember the number of times Jesus was surprised by faith. Remember the Samaritan woman who came seeking favour. Remember the Centurion who sought healing for another. And here, in a very dark moment, Jesus is encouraged by the simple act of a widow:
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. (Luke 21:1-2)
The seemingly insignificant, like a passing butterfly or a common sunset. We all know this story but I want you to hear Jesus' words again as he draws attention to this act of faith and dedication, this act of love:
“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4)
Is that not a perfect illustration of the heart that God is wanting in his children? Is Jesus not underlining a key part of our relationship with God? Did he not tell us that we need to love him with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our soul, all of our strength? Did Jesus not say that we would have to lose our life to gain it? Did he not say that everyone who would come after him would need to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him? Did he not tell us it is all or nothing?
Then two days later Jesus gave his all.
How cheap is our faith? How many of us only give out of our riches? We give a lot but it is only a small portion of what we have. We live with a tithe mentality when God has called us to 100%. How many of us are shamed by that widow's offering yet we now know God better than she did. Perhaps we are lying to ourselves. Perhaps we don't know God as much as that widow. There has to be some explanation of why we could watch Jesus go to the cross and not be provoked by love to dedicate 100% of ourselves and all we possess to the one who gave 100% for us.
This is indeed a week of reflection.
Did you notice during those times how you took comfort in the little things? Do you remember that cup of tea that tasted like a million dollars? Or that phone call with your sister when you didn't really talk about anything? Maybe it was that walk you took with your significant other and all you did was hold hands. Perhaps it was sitting alone on that park bench watching the sun disappear over the horizon. It is amazing how in the stresses of life it is the seemingly insignificant that grounds us and gives us some hope. For Jesus that moment came from a widow.
Too often we take what Jesus did as a non-event. What's the big deal, he never felt stress? We forget that Jesus came as one of us, with all the traps, pitfalls, emotions, temptations. The only difference was that he overcame all the failings and remained perfect. But just from what we are told of what happened in the garden, we know Jesus was feeling the stress of the situation. These were the last couple of days before the crucifixion and he didn't want to do it. He was doing it because obedience to his father's will was more important than anything else.
Remember with what Jesus was surrounded. He saw a people led astray, leaders who cared only for themselves. He saw a people who were so lost in religion that they couldn't even recognize the Creator who walked among them. He saw the filth of sin and a lack of faith. He saw, after 3 years, that only a glimmer of what was taught had been held on to. He saw a people who just couldn't grasp the reality of the situation. And then along came the widow.
Remember the number of times Jesus was surprised by faith. Remember the Samaritan woman who came seeking favour. Remember the Centurion who sought healing for another. And here, in a very dark moment, Jesus is encouraged by the simple act of a widow:
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. (Luke 21:1-2)
The seemingly insignificant, like a passing butterfly or a common sunset. We all know this story but I want you to hear Jesus' words again as he draws attention to this act of faith and dedication, this act of love:
“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4)
Is that not a perfect illustration of the heart that God is wanting in his children? Is Jesus not underlining a key part of our relationship with God? Did he not tell us that we need to love him with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our soul, all of our strength? Did Jesus not say that we would have to lose our life to gain it? Did he not say that everyone who would come after him would need to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him? Did he not tell us it is all or nothing?
Then two days later Jesus gave his all.
How cheap is our faith? How many of us only give out of our riches? We give a lot but it is only a small portion of what we have. We live with a tithe mentality when God has called us to 100%. How many of us are shamed by that widow's offering yet we now know God better than she did. Perhaps we are lying to ourselves. Perhaps we don't know God as much as that widow. There has to be some explanation of why we could watch Jesus go to the cross and not be provoked by love to dedicate 100% of ourselves and all we possess to the one who gave 100% for us.
This is indeed a week of reflection.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Things Of Emporers
Our service to Jesus should not be a struggle. Our life here should not be a struggle. We should not be filled with worry and fear over things that will not matter for eternity. We need to learn quickly what is important and what is not. We also need to learn what belongs to God and what belongs to the Emperor. What I mean by this is very simple.
Days before the crucifixion Jesus was teaching in the temple. In their continuing attempt to trap him, the leaders of the people sent in a couple of spies to try to trip Jesus up on his teaching. The best way was to play the national card against the occupation. They asked Jesus about taxes. The trap was a good one. If he said the Jews should pay it then the radicals would reject him and stir the people up against him. If he said not to pay the Roman tax they would accuse him of treason. Jesus destroyed their trap with something we still don't get:
“Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20:25, CEV)
Jesus was not political. He did not involve himself in civilian affairs. His purpose was the Kingdom of God not the kingdoms of man. Yet, at the same time he drew our attention to the fact that while we are here we have certain obligations to the authority that is in place.
For some reason many Christians want to force the government to govern by God's standards, but it is a man-made government. Remember when the people called for a King, rejecting God as their king. Samuel was upset but God told him to go ahead and he warned the people what a king would demand. Those demands have not changed, even with an elected government. God does not desire to operate through man's government or even a representative. His desire is to deal with us individually, in a personal relationship. Yes, he is in control of governments; he will raise them and lower them; he will use them but he will seldom deal with his people through them.
God has his own servants for dealing with his people. Through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, God deals with his children. Yes, we must give to the Emperor what we owe him. Our government pays for our roads, schools, hospitals, military and so many other things that we benefit from. As long as we are here we need to lend them our support, encourage them, pray for them. We vote according to the Spirit and not our personal desire. But we do not exist for this. This is a system we are part of only because we are here. We do not belong to it. We do not live according to this man's government. We live by the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit. We are the Body of Christ, citizens of the Kingdom of God.
When God wants to provoke change he will do it through the hearts of his children. He will do it by calling them back to him, reminding them of his holiness and righteousness. He will convict hearts in prayer meetings and provoke a spirit of generosity. A nation changes, not through its government, but through the Church that seeks the face of God. Revival happens when the Spirit moves us to pray and gives a heart to seek God's holiness. Revival happens, not through government but when God's people run from evil and clean to what is good. God does not force himself on anyone through governments and when this has happened in the past it was wrong and it was abused.
If change was brought through government Jesus would have become Emperor, but he did not. Instead he went to the cross and became King of kings and Lord of lords. Listen to the Words of Jesus and understand the Church is not what we have made her to be but something more, something greater, something of great power and righteousness. It is time to leave the Emperor to play his role while we fulfill ours. It is time to stop with struggling with things that are not important, not our concern, not of the Kingdom.
Days before the crucifixion Jesus was teaching in the temple. In their continuing attempt to trap him, the leaders of the people sent in a couple of spies to try to trip Jesus up on his teaching. The best way was to play the national card against the occupation. They asked Jesus about taxes. The trap was a good one. If he said the Jews should pay it then the radicals would reject him and stir the people up against him. If he said not to pay the Roman tax they would accuse him of treason. Jesus destroyed their trap with something we still don't get:
“Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20:25, CEV)
Jesus was not political. He did not involve himself in civilian affairs. His purpose was the Kingdom of God not the kingdoms of man. Yet, at the same time he drew our attention to the fact that while we are here we have certain obligations to the authority that is in place.
For some reason many Christians want to force the government to govern by God's standards, but it is a man-made government. Remember when the people called for a King, rejecting God as their king. Samuel was upset but God told him to go ahead and he warned the people what a king would demand. Those demands have not changed, even with an elected government. God does not desire to operate through man's government or even a representative. His desire is to deal with us individually, in a personal relationship. Yes, he is in control of governments; he will raise them and lower them; he will use them but he will seldom deal with his people through them.
God has his own servants for dealing with his people. Through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, God deals with his children. Yes, we must give to the Emperor what we owe him. Our government pays for our roads, schools, hospitals, military and so many other things that we benefit from. As long as we are here we need to lend them our support, encourage them, pray for them. We vote according to the Spirit and not our personal desire. But we do not exist for this. This is a system we are part of only because we are here. We do not belong to it. We do not live according to this man's government. We live by the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit. We are the Body of Christ, citizens of the Kingdom of God.
When God wants to provoke change he will do it through the hearts of his children. He will do it by calling them back to him, reminding them of his holiness and righteousness. He will convict hearts in prayer meetings and provoke a spirit of generosity. A nation changes, not through its government, but through the Church that seeks the face of God. Revival happens when the Spirit moves us to pray and gives a heart to seek God's holiness. Revival happens, not through government but when God's people run from evil and clean to what is good. God does not force himself on anyone through governments and when this has happened in the past it was wrong and it was abused.
If change was brought through government Jesus would have become Emperor, but he did not. Instead he went to the cross and became King of kings and Lord of lords. Listen to the Words of Jesus and understand the Church is not what we have made her to be but something more, something greater, something of great power and righteousness. It is time to leave the Emperor to play his role while we fulfill ours. It is time to stop with struggling with things that are not important, not our concern, not of the Kingdom.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The Hypocrisy Of Palm Sunday
Today in the Church, around the entire world, we celebrate the day of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. We refer to it as Palm Sunday because the crowds waived palm branches in celebration of the arrival of this potential king and saviour of Israel. If only they had understood the half of it. This day marks the beginning of Passion Week, the days leading up to the cross and the resurrection.
For centuries the world has celebrated Jesus without understanding who he is to us. Certainly they knew the stories and they entered into the various ceremonies and became very religious about it all. But much of the world only recognized the power to control the masses and did not understand the very personal nature of the relationship. Just like the crowd during the triumphal entry, they waived their "palm branches" without knowing who Jesus is to the world. Now that time is coming to an end.
Perhaps the church you attend is alive in the Spirit but much of the world is walking away. Perhaps you know personally the magnificence of Jesus, but your neighbour, who has attended church faithfully all of his life, no longer sees the sense of it, because he never met Jesus. Much of Europe is dead to Christ. Nations that once proclaimed him as King now set up the old churches as museums, relics of the past. No other religion is attacked and persecuted as much as Christianity and maybe it needs to be because there is a lot of hypocrisy in what man has done to her.
I can hear tables being turned over and coin scattering across the stone floor. What have we done to the Bride of Christ? We have not been building our churches on sound doctrine but on sound business practices. All the teaching we hear about today is leadership, leadership, leadership. Funny, from what I can see, Jesus spent his time teaching his disciples to be servants. Perhaps in our deprived thinking we are doing the right thing, building the Kingdom of God, but how much of it will stand against the purifying fire?
The reason there is so much scandal in the Church, why people are walking away, is because there is too much of us in what we do. It is not by our strength and might that we accomplish anything in the Kingdom but it is by the will of God. We are suppose to operate by his Spirit not our flesh. We aren't suppose to seek our will, or what is best for us but, as humble servants, we do the King's bidding. Because we have not learned this, all the world sees is a bunch of desperate people trying to hold on to the traditions of our past. Where is the radical love? Where is the passionate fire? Where is the faith that commands the mountains to move?
Not by best business practices or accountant rules. Not by leadership training or needs based surveys. Not by the latest trends or what worked well for a church somewhere down south. According to God's will for where you are and by his power. That is how the Church moves forward.
For so long leaders have tried to become professionals and to have the Church accredited by the world. It's time to throw off the man made mantle and put on the one given to us by Jesus. It is time to run away from all things man and run to the righteousness of Jesus. It is time to put an end to the scandals in the Church by becoming God's holy people again. It is time to stop seeking the world's approval and seek God's. It is time to set aside the hypocrisy of the palm branches and start laying down our cloaks before the King. If we humble ourselves before our God we may yet see revival in our churches.
For centuries the world has celebrated Jesus without understanding who he is to us. Certainly they knew the stories and they entered into the various ceremonies and became very religious about it all. But much of the world only recognized the power to control the masses and did not understand the very personal nature of the relationship. Just like the crowd during the triumphal entry, they waived their "palm branches" without knowing who Jesus is to the world. Now that time is coming to an end.
Perhaps the church you attend is alive in the Spirit but much of the world is walking away. Perhaps you know personally the magnificence of Jesus, but your neighbour, who has attended church faithfully all of his life, no longer sees the sense of it, because he never met Jesus. Much of Europe is dead to Christ. Nations that once proclaimed him as King now set up the old churches as museums, relics of the past. No other religion is attacked and persecuted as much as Christianity and maybe it needs to be because there is a lot of hypocrisy in what man has done to her.
I can hear tables being turned over and coin scattering across the stone floor. What have we done to the Bride of Christ? We have not been building our churches on sound doctrine but on sound business practices. All the teaching we hear about today is leadership, leadership, leadership. Funny, from what I can see, Jesus spent his time teaching his disciples to be servants. Perhaps in our deprived thinking we are doing the right thing, building the Kingdom of God, but how much of it will stand against the purifying fire?
The reason there is so much scandal in the Church, why people are walking away, is because there is too much of us in what we do. It is not by our strength and might that we accomplish anything in the Kingdom but it is by the will of God. We are suppose to operate by his Spirit not our flesh. We aren't suppose to seek our will, or what is best for us but, as humble servants, we do the King's bidding. Because we have not learned this, all the world sees is a bunch of desperate people trying to hold on to the traditions of our past. Where is the radical love? Where is the passionate fire? Where is the faith that commands the mountains to move?
Not by best business practices or accountant rules. Not by leadership training or needs based surveys. Not by the latest trends or what worked well for a church somewhere down south. According to God's will for where you are and by his power. That is how the Church moves forward.
For so long leaders have tried to become professionals and to have the Church accredited by the world. It's time to throw off the man made mantle and put on the one given to us by Jesus. It is time to run away from all things man and run to the righteousness of Jesus. It is time to put an end to the scandals in the Church by becoming God's holy people again. It is time to stop seeking the world's approval and seek God's. It is time to set aside the hypocrisy of the palm branches and start laying down our cloaks before the King. If we humble ourselves before our God we may yet see revival in our churches.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The Glory Of God Revealed
We often look to the Psalms for inspiration, encouragement, and hope in difficult or troubled times. We are reminded of the faith of those who have gone on before us. Incredible stuff that we desire to emulate as we move forward in our love and dedication to God. We also find in these psalms a bigger picture of purpose then what we find in our simple and insignificant life:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Isn't this a great truth? It doesn't matter what language or culture we are from, the glory of our Creation is understood by our simple observation of his great works that surround us every day. It is seen in all the earth, glory to God!
Yet, the many psalms are limited. They are limited in their understanding of God's true glory, of his greatest work because it followed after they were written. Our God did not reveal himself all at once; he did it slowly, over the centuries until he revealed his full glory in Jesus, the Christ. He did not bring us back into the rich and free relationship he had with Adam right away. Things had to be established first, things prepared, before he could come to us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Now there is even a greater glory than David, Moses, Elijah or any of the others could have understood.
It is true that our Creator's great works can be seen in creation itself and is translated into every language but a greater glory was revealed in Jesus as he was lifted up on the cross. This glory is also understood by every culture and language. It shines even brighter than that of creation, and day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it displays knowledge. In fact, there is no speech or language where its voice is no heard. The voice of the cross, of this single act of love for our redemption, goes out into all the earth, its words to the ends of the world, in a way that leaves people with only two choices.
The cross cannot be ignored. It is a powerful thing, this loving act of redemption, so that a person must either accept this love or reject it. We are either for God or against him. We are either saved or lost. We are either redeemed or condemned. The cross demands clarity of position from us, it is too powerful to pretend it does not exist. It does exist and Easter is a constant reminder of that. The cross is too powerful for its glory to be stolen by an Easter bunny like the glory of the birth was stolen by Santa Claus. It is too great a thing of love for man to try to hide it away or to refer to it as myth. It is God's glory and it demands a response.
God has revealed a greater glory through Jesus on the cross than any person, who came before it, could have possibly imagined. It is a glory revealed through a decision bathed in humility, welling up from a compassion rooted in love for us. Our Creator loved so much he offered himself as the only possible sacrifice to allow us back into fellowship with him. Hear the voice of the cross world. In your dark and diseased rebellious ways, hear the brilliant voice of our Father calling us back to be with him once more. Hear his heart revealed to you through the sacrifice of the cross. Hear it and understand that he does not consider your life too insignificant to pay such a price as this for you. Will you not hear and return to him?
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Isn't this a great truth? It doesn't matter what language or culture we are from, the glory of our Creation is understood by our simple observation of his great works that surround us every day. It is seen in all the earth, glory to God!
Yet, the many psalms are limited. They are limited in their understanding of God's true glory, of his greatest work because it followed after they were written. Our God did not reveal himself all at once; he did it slowly, over the centuries until he revealed his full glory in Jesus, the Christ. He did not bring us back into the rich and free relationship he had with Adam right away. Things had to be established first, things prepared, before he could come to us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Now there is even a greater glory than David, Moses, Elijah or any of the others could have understood.
It is true that our Creator's great works can be seen in creation itself and is translated into every language but a greater glory was revealed in Jesus as he was lifted up on the cross. This glory is also understood by every culture and language. It shines even brighter than that of creation, and day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it displays knowledge. In fact, there is no speech or language where its voice is no heard. The voice of the cross, of this single act of love for our redemption, goes out into all the earth, its words to the ends of the world, in a way that leaves people with only two choices.
The cross cannot be ignored. It is a powerful thing, this loving act of redemption, so that a person must either accept this love or reject it. We are either for God or against him. We are either saved or lost. We are either redeemed or condemned. The cross demands clarity of position from us, it is too powerful to pretend it does not exist. It does exist and Easter is a constant reminder of that. The cross is too powerful for its glory to be stolen by an Easter bunny like the glory of the birth was stolen by Santa Claus. It is too great a thing of love for man to try to hide it away or to refer to it as myth. It is God's glory and it demands a response.
God has revealed a greater glory through Jesus on the cross than any person, who came before it, could have possibly imagined. It is a glory revealed through a decision bathed in humility, welling up from a compassion rooted in love for us. Our Creator loved so much he offered himself as the only possible sacrifice to allow us back into fellowship with him. Hear the voice of the cross world. In your dark and diseased rebellious ways, hear the brilliant voice of our Father calling us back to be with him once more. Hear his heart revealed to you through the sacrifice of the cross. Hear it and understand that he does not consider your life too insignificant to pay such a price as this for you. Will you not hear and return to him?
Friday, April 6, 2012
The Cross (passion week, day 6, part 8)
(re-blog)
... he walked alone beneath his burden.
Simon was just trying to conclude his business here so he could start his journey home. He realized he didn't have much time. All business would be put on hold at sun set.
Tomorrow was the Passover celebration. Maybe at any other time he would be thrilled to be in Jerusalem at this time of the year but he had been a long time from home. He just wanted to be done with business so first thing next week he could strike out for home.
Now he had this crowd to get around. Apparently they had finally been able to put an end to this prophet that had everyone so excited. He had seen the Prophet once. He was in another town doing business. He actually saw him give sight back to a blind man. Pretty amazing. Too bad he had to cross the Pharisees like he did. It was bound to end poorly.
There! An opening in the crowd. He could cut through there and save a couple of minutes.
As he stepped through the crowd he froze in mid-step. As his eyes fell on the figure kneeling in the middle of the road, bent beneath the weight of a cross beam, his blood ran cold.
What had they done to him? Could this be the same man he saw in that town so long ago? Could this be the Prophet who gave sight to the blind?
Blood soaked his clothing and pooled on the ground where he knelt. Flesh hung loosely from his back. His hair was matted with blood. Blood covered his face and seemed to cloud his eyes. Well, at least they looked like eyes. It was hard to tell what that was beneath his swollen face. He looked more animal than man.
He should have just kept going but the sight had him transfixed. What could he have possibly done to deserve this?
Then a soldier on a horse called out to him, penetrating the back of his awareness and slowly exploded in on his reality. He looked to the soldier and to his horror realized that he had suddenly become a participant in this slow death.
Before he knew it they had the cross beam tied on to him. He couldn't believe this. He should have avoided the crowd. Why hadn't he taken the longer route?
But as they were pressed to move on his thoughts turned from himself to the Prophet who staggered beside him. How could he go on like this? Why would he go on like this? Why not just refuse to move and let them kill him here instead of on the cross?
As weak as he was the Prophet seemed determined to do this.
The crowd was mixed. Some hurled insults at him, along with stones. Others stood and wept silently. Still others were shouting out words of support. What was it about this man that could provoke such reaction?
The walk was hard under this weight. It seemed to take forever. Any hope that there was of concluding his business was quickly slipping away. But for some reason it seemed to be less important. This Prophet was heading to his death and all he was concerned about was getting his business finished with? When had he lost his humanity? His compassion?
When they arrived at the designated spot he was exhausted. How could they have ever hoped that this man could have carried this thing in his condition?
They had it off his back soon enough and he was prepared to rush off to see what he could get done, but something stopped him. Something kept him fixed on this man who even now seemed like no other man he had ever encountered.
He stepped back into the first row of onlookers just as they threw the Prophet down onto the cross piece. As his back hit the ground he arched in pain. With no thought at all the soldiers grabbed his arms, tying him down and then nailed him in place, as if they were bored with the whole thing. The sound of the nails going through flesh and bone was sickening but he could not turn away.
Besides the weeping that came from some of the women near by a hush had fallen over the crowd. That's the only way it was possible to hear his words. And everyone heard them. Everyone seemed shocked, even disturbed by them. There he was, half beaten to death, laid out on the ground, being nailed to a cross beam and everyone heard him say:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
What? Who was this man?
With that they hoisted him up, fixing him in place. Above his head they nailed a sign that referred to him as the king of the Jews. Was it possible? Is that why they had killed him? With that the wailing began in earnest.
Simon melted into the crowd with the image of the Prophet forever burned into his memory. As he broke free he began to run. He couldn't explain why he ran, he just did. He wanted to be as far from that cursed place as quickly as he possibly could.
What had they just done? ...
... he walked alone beneath his burden.
Simon was just trying to conclude his business here so he could start his journey home. He realized he didn't have much time. All business would be put on hold at sun set.
Tomorrow was the Passover celebration. Maybe at any other time he would be thrilled to be in Jerusalem at this time of the year but he had been a long time from home. He just wanted to be done with business so first thing next week he could strike out for home.
Now he had this crowd to get around. Apparently they had finally been able to put an end to this prophet that had everyone so excited. He had seen the Prophet once. He was in another town doing business. He actually saw him give sight back to a blind man. Pretty amazing. Too bad he had to cross the Pharisees like he did. It was bound to end poorly.
There! An opening in the crowd. He could cut through there and save a couple of minutes.
As he stepped through the crowd he froze in mid-step. As his eyes fell on the figure kneeling in the middle of the road, bent beneath the weight of a cross beam, his blood ran cold.
What had they done to him? Could this be the same man he saw in that town so long ago? Could this be the Prophet who gave sight to the blind?
Blood soaked his clothing and pooled on the ground where he knelt. Flesh hung loosely from his back. His hair was matted with blood. Blood covered his face and seemed to cloud his eyes. Well, at least they looked like eyes. It was hard to tell what that was beneath his swollen face. He looked more animal than man.
He should have just kept going but the sight had him transfixed. What could he have possibly done to deserve this?
Then a soldier on a horse called out to him, penetrating the back of his awareness and slowly exploded in on his reality. He looked to the soldier and to his horror realized that he had suddenly become a participant in this slow death.
Before he knew it they had the cross beam tied on to him. He couldn't believe this. He should have avoided the crowd. Why hadn't he taken the longer route?
But as they were pressed to move on his thoughts turned from himself to the Prophet who staggered beside him. How could he go on like this? Why would he go on like this? Why not just refuse to move and let them kill him here instead of on the cross?
As weak as he was the Prophet seemed determined to do this.
The crowd was mixed. Some hurled insults at him, along with stones. Others stood and wept silently. Still others were shouting out words of support. What was it about this man that could provoke such reaction?
The walk was hard under this weight. It seemed to take forever. Any hope that there was of concluding his business was quickly slipping away. But for some reason it seemed to be less important. This Prophet was heading to his death and all he was concerned about was getting his business finished with? When had he lost his humanity? His compassion?
When they arrived at the designated spot he was exhausted. How could they have ever hoped that this man could have carried this thing in his condition?
They had it off his back soon enough and he was prepared to rush off to see what he could get done, but something stopped him. Something kept him fixed on this man who even now seemed like no other man he had ever encountered.
He stepped back into the first row of onlookers just as they threw the Prophet down onto the cross piece. As his back hit the ground he arched in pain. With no thought at all the soldiers grabbed his arms, tying him down and then nailed him in place, as if they were bored with the whole thing. The sound of the nails going through flesh and bone was sickening but he could not turn away.
Besides the weeping that came from some of the women near by a hush had fallen over the crowd. That's the only way it was possible to hear his words. And everyone heard them. Everyone seemed shocked, even disturbed by them. There he was, half beaten to death, laid out on the ground, being nailed to a cross beam and everyone heard him say:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
What? Who was this man?
With that they hoisted him up, fixing him in place. Above his head they nailed a sign that referred to him as the king of the Jews. Was it possible? Is that why they had killed him? With that the wailing began in earnest.
Simon melted into the crowd with the image of the Prophet forever burned into his memory. As he broke free he began to run. He couldn't explain why he ran, he just did. He wanted to be as far from that cursed place as quickly as he possibly could.
What had they just done? ...
The Soldiers (passion week, day 6, part 7)
(re-post)
... he stood before the soldiers.
What had he ever done to deserve this posting? His brother got to fight in the wars against the barbarians and here he was stuck; nurse-maid in this lousy province. He couldn't wait until troop rotation took place. It had been over ten years since he had last seen Rome.
If it wasn't for the distraction these prisoners provided he would go crazy with boredom.
He looked over the latest unfortunate victim. Looks like he had already met the wrong end of a spear or two. Someone had worked him over pretty good. He looked tired. Better than what he would look by the time his friends had finished with him.
He wondered what his story was. Probably some political thing. Better not to know. It really didn't matter by the time they were handed over to the soldiers; flesh was flesh, regardless of what it was before.
Already his buddies were beginning the fun. There would be some shoving, mocking, a bit of mind games. Then they would strip him down and begin with the fists. After they tired of hitting him they would start in on the whips and chains. That's when it would really get messy.
He would rather be out fighting against other soldiers. At least then it was a fair fight. What they did here was just entertainment. He still didn't have a stomach for the scourging. He was a seasoned soldier but it was too hard to see a man's flesh ripped from his back like that.
He looked over the prisoner again as the first fist landed squarely on his jaw. They say this one had claimed to be a king. Didn't matter much now what he claimed to be.
He heard a deep rasping laugh escape from his mouth as his fist proved to be the fifth one to find its mark. He actually allowed himself to smile as his blow sent the prisoner falling onto his back. In about an hour there wouldn't be much left of that back.
He stood over him, pondering what tomorrow would bring.
No, it didn't matter much any more what he had claimed to be.
He would be dead by morning ...
... he stood before the soldiers.
What had he ever done to deserve this posting? His brother got to fight in the wars against the barbarians and here he was stuck; nurse-maid in this lousy province. He couldn't wait until troop rotation took place. It had been over ten years since he had last seen Rome.
If it wasn't for the distraction these prisoners provided he would go crazy with boredom.
He looked over the latest unfortunate victim. Looks like he had already met the wrong end of a spear or two. Someone had worked him over pretty good. He looked tired. Better than what he would look by the time his friends had finished with him.
He wondered what his story was. Probably some political thing. Better not to know. It really didn't matter by the time they were handed over to the soldiers; flesh was flesh, regardless of what it was before.
Already his buddies were beginning the fun. There would be some shoving, mocking, a bit of mind games. Then they would strip him down and begin with the fists. After they tired of hitting him they would start in on the whips and chains. That's when it would really get messy.
He would rather be out fighting against other soldiers. At least then it was a fair fight. What they did here was just entertainment. He still didn't have a stomach for the scourging. He was a seasoned soldier but it was too hard to see a man's flesh ripped from his back like that.
He looked over the prisoner again as the first fist landed squarely on his jaw. They say this one had claimed to be a king. Didn't matter much now what he claimed to be.
He heard a deep rasping laugh escape from his mouth as his fist proved to be the fifth one to find its mark. He actually allowed himself to smile as his blow sent the prisoner falling onto his back. In about an hour there wouldn't be much left of that back.
He stood over him, pondering what tomorrow would bring.
No, it didn't matter much any more what he had claimed to be.
He would be dead by morning ...
Condemned (passion week, day 6, part 6)
(re-post)
... he stood before Pilate.
By the looks of it, he didn't have an easy time of it with Herod. Maybe the robe was a bit much. The poor guy. I wonder if he really thinks it is all still worth it.
So, he's back and I need to do something about this. I have no real crime to charge him with. It's not like he led some revolt or even spoke about overthrowing Rome. There is nothing except this claim to be king. Am I suppose to crucify every madman in Israel? There wouldn't be too many people left to govern.
Now my wife is at me, something about a bad dream. That's not like her. She's never tried to interfere with official Rome business. I really don't have a good feeling about this man or this situation.
But there is this thing about releasing a prisoner for their passover. Surely if this man is as popular as Caiaphas would have me believe then it should be no problem to have this matter dealt with. If I give them a choice between a murderer and a prophet surely they will choose their beloved prophet, even if he is a madman.
It looks like everyone is ready.
He strode out to his seat of judgement and waited for the crowd to settle.
“Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
What's this? Another message from his wife? In the middle of this?
He read: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
Meanwhile he did not notice the chief priests of this land weaving through the crowd, whispering, gesturing. It seemed all too much for Pilate. The priests, Herod, his wife. What was it about this man? He just wanted the whole thing to be over with.
"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
... he stood before Pilate.
By the looks of it, he didn't have an easy time of it with Herod. Maybe the robe was a bit much. The poor guy. I wonder if he really thinks it is all still worth it.
So, he's back and I need to do something about this. I have no real crime to charge him with. It's not like he led some revolt or even spoke about overthrowing Rome. There is nothing except this claim to be king. Am I suppose to crucify every madman in Israel? There wouldn't be too many people left to govern.
Now my wife is at me, something about a bad dream. That's not like her. She's never tried to interfere with official Rome business. I really don't have a good feeling about this man or this situation.
But there is this thing about releasing a prisoner for their passover. Surely if this man is as popular as Caiaphas would have me believe then it should be no problem to have this matter dealt with. If I give them a choice between a murderer and a prophet surely they will choose their beloved prophet, even if he is a madman.
It looks like everyone is ready.
He strode out to his seat of judgement and waited for the crowd to settle.
“Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
What's this? Another message from his wife? In the middle of this?
He read: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
Meanwhile he did not notice the chief priests of this land weaving through the crowd, whispering, gesturing. It seemed all too much for Pilate. The priests, Herod, his wife. What was it about this man? He just wanted the whole thing to be over with.
"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
“Barabbas.”
What? Did he really hear them right? Did they really call for the release of the murderer? Maybe they don't understand what this means for Jesus.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?”
“Crucify him!”
He stopped breathing.
How can this be right? These people are calling for the crucifixion of one of their own? He'd never heard of such a thing.
He gave Jesus a sideways glance. What is it about this man?
“Why? What crime has he committed?”
I have to reason with them.
“Crucify him!”
The crowd was getting out of hand. If he didn't do something quickly he could lose control here. That's all he needed. This innocent man was going to die.
Well, everyone is guilty of something.
“I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility!”
“Let his blood be on us and on our children!”
Whoa! This is getting a bit much.
Looking to the guard he nodded. As they led Jesus away he washed his hands in front of the crowd to make sure they got the message.
As he watched this tragic figure leave, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sadness.
Of well, not my fault. I tried to help...
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